A philosophical exploration in the form of a classical dialogue such as Aristotle or his pupils might have written, these fanciful-and imaginary-debates pit Philonous, representing author Berkeley, against Hylas, generally accepted to represent Berkeley's adversary in British empiricism John Locke. Matters of skepticism, perception, materialism, and more are discussed in entertaining and enlightening fashion. First published in 1713, this is a curious artifact of an earlier age of philosophy that will bemuse and amuse readers of classic literature. Irish scientist, philosopher, and writer GEORGE BERKELEY (1685-1753) also wrote An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision (1709) and A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710).