Sander's Reflexions

Today, just one of my favorite pieces of philosophy. As a scientist I put a high value on perception. How could we know that something exists if we cannot perceive it? One of the great founders of Empiricism is George Berkeley (1685-1753). [You’re right. It’s when Newton lived.] But can things exist when they are not perceived? Well, says Bishop Berkeley, God perceives everything. Ronald Knox (brother of Alberto in Sophie’s World?) summarized Berkeley’s answer in the following limerick.

There was a young man who said "God
Must think it exceedingly odd
If he finds that this tree
Continues to be
When there's no one about in the Quad."

"Dear Sir, your astonishment's odd;
I am always about in the Quad
And that's why this tree
Will continue to be
Since observed by Yours faithfully, God."

But what if God takes a nap? Fortunately, today we have Internet and people all over the world can still perceive us. Hey, I exist!

For Jelle, I have found a special student version here.