The Works of George Berkeley. Vol. 1 of 4: Philosophical Works, 1705-21

This volume gathers the most influential writings of an 18th‑century philosopher who argued that material objects exist only as ideas in minds. Listeners will encounter his early treatise on human knowledge, the famed dialogues that pit Hylas against Philonous, and a series of essays that develop his immaterialist view of reality. The editor’s introductory essay situates these works in the intellectual currents of the era, explaining how they challenged prevailing notions of substance, cause and perception.

Comprehensive notes and annotations accompany the original texts, clarifying archaic terminology and linking Berkeley’s arguments to later thinkers such as Hume and Kant. A biographical sketch provides insight into his life as a bishop and scholar, while occasional letters reveal his personal concerns. The result is a richly contextualized listening experience that makes a historically pivotal philosophy accessible to contemporary ears.