Introduction

In the sequence of sections §§34–84, Berkeley considers a host of objections to his system. Some of these we have already discussed while addressing other topics, such as continuity. Other objections concern the compatibility of Berkeley’s system with orthodox religion. He considers, to give a couple of examples, the claim that the existence of matter is supported by the Bible (PHK §82) and whether his system allows for miracles (PHK §84). Yet another family of objections represents various attempts to rehabilitate the notion of material substance (PHK §§67–81). We shall not, however, consider these objections nor Berkeley’s replies to them; instead, we shall consider objections, contained in PHK §§50–66, that concern the compatibility of immaterialism with the practice of science. Berkeley is acutely aware that the rise of modern science is a point of pride for the philosophers of the period, and that immaterialism seems to threaten its very intelligibility. His replies to these objections inform a general account of the practice of science developed later in the Principles, an account he views as superior to that available to materialism. He also thinks that his philosophy is advantageous to the formal science of mathematics.