Defends Berkeley's positive metaphysics, which was that reality consists of spiritual substances, not material ones. This work emphasizes the importance of the distinction between the active and passive in Berkeley's system, and connects Berkeley's views on language and meaning to future figures like Austin and Wittgenstein.
George Berkeley notoriously claimed that his immaterialist metaphysics was not only consistent with common sense but that it was also integral to its defense. Roberts argues that understanding the basic connection between Berkeley's philosophy and common sense requires that we develop a better understanding of the four principle components of Berkeley's positive metaphysics: The nature of being, the divine language thesis, the active/passive distinction, and the nature of spirits.
"The book will, I believe, become a central work in Berkeley scholarship and in the area of early modern philosophy. It is a pleasure to read. It is written in a clear, non-stuffy, often elegant, and sometimes even witty style. It shows an extraordinary grasp of both the primary and secondary literature of early modern philosophy."--Robert J. Fogelin, Dartmouth College
