George Berkeley

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This book provides a thorough exploration of the life and ideas of a prominent Irish Enlightenment philosopher. It delves into Berkeley's early life and his role as an immaterialist philosopher at Trinity College, Dublin, while examining how his metaphysical views influenced various aspects of his career. The narrative follows his experiences as a chaplain and tutor in Italy, his efforts to establish a university in Bermuda, his role as a bishop in rural Ireland, and his writings on Christian apologetics, economic issues, and the philosophical aspects of drinking tar-water. Throughout these endeavors, Berkeley sought to align human wills with God's will, advocating for laws, order, and hierarchy. The book also investigates the institutional history of educational and religious organizations, highlights overlooked figures—especially women—who impacted Berkeley's life, and analyzes his interactions with diverse social groups beyond white Protestants. This multifaceted portrayal reveals Berkeley as a radical metaphysician, a missionary Protestant, a conservative reformer, and a deeply religious individual. Ultimately, the work enhances our understanding of early modern philosophy, the eighteenth-century Church, and the evolution of educational and social progress.