OhioLINK History of Philosophy Website

British Empiricism
Macro Writing Assignment 2:
Writing a Comparative Philosophy Paper

Professor Deborah Smith

As we discussed in class, Berkeley borrows much of Locke's theory of ideas. For this reason, they share many views in common. however, Berkeley departs from Locke's views in a couple of key areas (e.g., the existence of abstract ideas, the existence of material substance, etc.). In this paper you will focus on one of those differences, comparing and contrasting the arguments and views of Locke and Berkeley on the specific topic you choose.

Much of the advice I gave you in connection with Macro 1 applies to this paper as well. Make sure that you re-read that information.

The assignment:
In a paper of between five and ten pages (the length is less important than the content) which exhibits the style and format discussed in Micro 1 do the following.

1. Identify a substantial philosophical disagreement between Locke and Berkeley. Explicate Locke's view and the arguments he gives in favor of it. Explicate Berkeley's view and the arguments he gives in favor of it. As a result of this explication, it should be clear to the reader what the two views are and how they differ.
2. Explain what effect this difference has on the overall philosophical view of these two philosophers. Is it a difference that ultimately makes little difference? Or is it a difference that is the starting point for or perhaps evidence of a more radical difference in the metaphysics and epistemological views of these two philosophers?
3. Which, if either, of the two views on this issue is the closest to or fits best with the basic doctrines of empiricism? Here you will need to go back and re-read the handout I gave you the first week concerning the four metaphysical and epistemological theses associated with empiricism. Would someone who accepted these theses be more likely to favor Locke's take or Berkeley's take on this issue?
4. Which of the two takes on the issue is the more plausible? Explain your answer and defend it with well reasoned arguments which start from plausible premises.

This page is part of the OhioLINK History of Philosophy Instructional Website designed and developed by the Department of Philosophy at Kent State University. We are interested in any comments you may have concerning this Macro Writing Exercise. Send e-mail to the KSU Department of Philosophy Instructional Website Development Team or directly to Professor Deborah Smith, who designed this exercise.

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