A metaphysics for the mob : the philosophy of George Berkeley /

Roberts's book is a model of sound scholarship and insightful elucidation of Berkeley's philosophy. In chapter 1 Roberts (Florida State Univ.) identifies four subjects that form the core of this system of thought: Berkeley's conception of what it is for something to exist; his divine language thesis; understanding the philosophical importance of the active/passive distinction; and his conception of the nature of persons or spirits. Subsequent chapters develop each of these essentially metaphysical ideas. Following the developmental chapters is one designed to show the close relation between Berkeley's understanding and common sense. For many readers the outstanding feature of Roberts's work may be the illuminating way in which he draws 20th-century philosophy into his understanding of Berkeley's arguments. Readers will find, in almost every chapter, insightful points of both contrast and agreement with the concerns and conclusions of early modern philosophy, and those of recent analytic philosophy--with Russell, Wittgenstein, Bennett, Sellars, Blackburn, and Dennett, for example. Excellent bibliography and index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. J. White University of Maine