Philosopher Berkeley's Analysis of Abstract Ideas

When trying to understand ideas and complex norms, one often looks to philosophy. Berkeley is a radical thinker who feels that abstract ideas are mere generalizations with all objects being ideas of the mind. If one applies Berkeley's idea of no abstract ideas to the present issue of stereotyping feminists, they would understand the problem of abstract ideas or lack thereof along with generalizations, still exists in society today. This paper will examine why Berkeley's understanding of no abstract ideas proves to be true.

In order to understand this present day issue, one must first understand Berkeley's reasoning for no abstract ideas. Berkeley thinks that abstract ideas are nothing but pure generalizations, generalizations that we create not through experience or knowledge. He also feels that because abstract ideas are mere generalizations, all qualities and modes are subtracted out of these ideas, making them false and therefore non-existent. Berkeley states that perception is not inherent to vision but learned (Pgh. 42-44). This statement comes from the argument about perspective of ideas and how do we see at a distance. Berkeley strongly feels that we need to perceive through learning the truth and abstract ideas do not permit this to occur.
One example that Berkeley gives to qualify his reasoning for no abstract ideas is the concept of the triangle. On page 13, he states, "Does it not inquire some pain and skill to form the general idea of a triangle . . ." He also goes onto say, "At least this is enough to show that most abstract and general ideas are not those that the mind is first and most easily acquainted with, nor such as its earliest knowledge is conversant about." In laments terms, Berkeley feels that we have used language to create the word triangle, which means three-sided figure. The human race takes language and makes general assumptions to define certain objects or terms. In paragraph 16, Berkeley states, man may consider a figure merely as triangular, without attending to the particular qualities of the angles, or relations of the sides. So far he may abstract: but this will never prove that he can frame an abstract general inconsistent idea of a triangle. Berkeley continues onto say that it is important for us to separate abstract ideas from clear and distinct ideas, such as the existence of God (Pg. 20).

Where the generalization role comes into play directly is through language. Berkeley states that humans generalize these ideas/images by using language as a way to distinguish the meanings and ideas. One objection to this thought process comes from Descartes. Descartes thinks that ideas are innate, people are born with them, and different ideas have a different level of being. Descartes feels that the human mind gives people the ability to imagine which then in turn is what gives them such perception of these ideas. Therefore, according to Descartes, if a human is able to imagine a specific idea or object, then they are able to perceive said idea or object, which in Descartes' case allows for abstract ideas. In summary, Descartes feels that humans are able to perceive ideas without experiencing them. However, Berkeley says that innate ideas come from outside experience, making it abstract. Berkeley feels that if humans are not able to sense an idea or experience it, then it must be abstract. Berkeley feels that the human must be able to perceive an object or idea for it to be true. Abstract ideas are mere generalizations that humans are unable to perceive, but try to pinpoint through imagination.

An easy way to understand Berkeley's perspective deals with the ability to separate various ideas. Abstraction must involve separating various ideas. However, many ideas cannot be separated. For example, we cannot have an idea of shape without at the same time having an idea of color, and vice versa. An idea of a shape must always be colored, and a colored object must always have a shape. Therefore, humans cannot perform abstraction.

Berkeley claims that we can do without abstract ideas. Particular ideas can be categorized in a general way. Humans can have the idea of one specific triangle that represents all triangles. In this case it serves as a general idea. Berkeley goes onto state in paragraph five, that it is impossible for humans to see or feel anything without an actual sensation of that thing, so is it impossible humans to understand in merely thoughts that any sensible thing or object is distinct from the perception of it.
Berkeley does feel that humans are able to use language to make generalizations about certain ideas, however this does not mean that humans can generalize about ideas they do not fully understand without knowledge of that idea. Berkeley says that because of our minds, given to us by God, we are able to interpret and understand what is going on around us. He says that how we make generalizations about particular ideas and objects is through the use of language. Berkeley understands the importance of the perception of such ideas through life experience, however he also sees the importance of language from others about ideas. The use of language is what allows us to make generalizations about specific subjects that humans may not be able to know coherently through first-hand experience, but through experience of others, which has come through language.

If one looks at the complexity of feminism in our society today, one would understand the many generalizations and abstractions that humans and politicians tend to make about these specific females. When looking at the obstacles facing feminism in the United States and around the world, one must understand the differences with how things are perceived and valued in feminism today, through wrongful generalizations that humans make based on perception of the idea from society and often time politicians and public officials. Where Berkeley's idea of no abstract ideas comes into play with this issue is when society classifies all feminists as to fitting into a particular category. It often seems that society still has the perception that all women who are feminists are raging lesbians that protest the streets and engage in picket lines outside of Washington, D.C. However, most people who are coming up with this idea have not experienced feminism first hand, and allow themselves to buy into the generalizations that others make without taking the time to experience and learn firsthand what feminists stand for in terms of their issues and who are feminists.

Feminists are women and men who care about gender, sexuality, and the needs of women for material equality and freedom from necessity to the personal and cultural issues. Feminism works hard for societal change for women in terms of legal and political change. Feminism does not just encompass crazy lesbians who fight for the rights of homosexuals and women, but it includes any woman who wants equal rights and freedoms in her life. Because of abstract ideas and generalizations people make without first-hand or secondhand experience, feminism has gotten the stereotypical opinion of only including homosexual women. As society continues to include more and more groups that promote equal rights, one would hope that people would pay attention to the teachings of Berkeley and understand that humans should step outside of the box and go out and seek feminists and organizations that promote feminism in society. Berkeley's teachings and thoughts show that people are still unable to separate this stereotype from feminism, when in reality society needs to understand that not all feminists are lesbians, women, or crazy protesters.

One way that humans should perceive feminism is through Berkeley's idea that humans generalize these images by using language as a way to distinguish the meanings and ideas, however the human race and society must be presented with the proper images of feminism. However, if humans were given the true meaning of a feminist, then Berkeley's generalization rule would definitely apply and would only help the pressing issue of the misrepresentation of feminism in today's society. There is no need for abstract ideas of feminism, feminists care about the equal rights of all genders, races, and sexual orientation, that is what we should be remembering when we think about the idea of feminism. The clear message sticks out as long as we pay attention to Berkeley's ideas of gaining the knowledge and experience of the idea through actually experiencing and learning about the concept through first hand experience.

In order to understand life's' complexities, one must understand that the only way for humans to understand ideas is through perception and first hand experience based on knowledge of such ideas. Society should not abstract ideas and or make generalizations that are based on heresy. Without firsthand experience, humans will continue to make false predictions and generalizations, which will cause for the continuation of the many problems that still exist in society today.

If society begins to follow the ways of Berkeley, the human race as a whole would be more knowledgeable and experienced on all fronts of their lives. People would stop making mere accusations of feminists and not listen to what the media or others tell them is the truth without experiencing the situation themselves. If people understood that they should challenge what society presents to them and seek the truth through their knowledge and use their minds to gain important information about everyday issues that effect them, this world would be a much smarter and accepting place. In order to improve society, Berkeley's ideas and negation of abstract ideas should be put into action and integrated into humans' way of thinking.