Question

What was Berkeley's argument to proved that there is no matter?

Answer 1

Berkeley was an Irish philosopher who had a lot to contribute to the field of philosophy and psychology. One of his most famous arguments was on "Immaterialism" or proof that there is no matter. According to Berkeley, every so called "matter" is always seen in relation to the perceiver. That is, any matter cannot exist alone and does not have sole characterestics that could be viewed without the qualities of a perceiver. He said that the only objects that are present, are "sensible objects" which exist only based on our sensory systems. For example, taste and smells vary based on whether the individual has a cold or the condition of his ears. Colors vary depending on the ambient lighting which is present. The size and shape of objects depends on the position of the eye and the position of the individual from which he looks at the object.