Skepticism vs. Idealism: are they so different?

Idealism rejects the material existence of objects, saying everything resides in the mind, while skepticism questions existence entirely. How different is Berkeley's line of logic from that of a skeptic? Is the distinction just one of convenience?

Macbeth's Dagger and Other Illusions

Hylas objects to Philonous' idealism by claiming that on his view there is no way to distinguish between veridical appearances and illusions. In other words, idealism implies that the danger than Macbeth sees before his eyes but cannot clutch is just as real as the dagger he uses to kill Duncan. Is this a valid objection? How successful is Philonous' response?

Who Needs God?

Berkeley argues that, given the truth of idealism, God must exist. Is he correct? If so, how valuable is this argument? Does this argument give theists anything to cheer about?

Much Ado About A Mite

Berkeley argues for his idealism from the relativity of perception. He compares the size of a mite's foot as seen by the mite itself, by a human and by some smaller microorganism. What, exactly, is the argument? Is the argument successful? If not, how do we resist the sucking of all so-called primary qualities into the mind?

Are We Wired for Religion?

According to some people, there seems to be a biological imperative for we as humans to search for purpose in a world largely devoid of meaning. One such person's work is linked here http://rationalargumentator.com/issue196/telosdrive.html> Why is it that every single human culture in history had some form of religion? Is there an easy, scientific explanation to this phenomenon? Or does it go deeper than that, right into the very core of what it means to be human? Is religion essential to humanity?

A God Chasing His Tail?

Antoine Arnauld famously accuses Descartes of arguing in a circle: the principle of clear and distinct ideas requires a non-deceiving God to validate it, but the proof of a non-deceiving God requires the principle of clear and distinct ideas. Is Arnauld correct? If not, why not? If not, at what cost?

The Existence and/or Role of God

Descartes attempts to prove the existence of God not only for its own sake but also to further the goals of his foundational project. Is either argument successful? Does God actually do the metaphysical work that Descartes wants? Should an epistemological project have God play such a prominent role?