The British Empiricists offers concise, accessible introductions to the life and work of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. John Dunn shows how Locke arrived at the theory of knowledge which he puts forward in his Essay Concerning Human Understanding. J.O. Urmson assesses Berkeley's philosophy in its relation to the thought of Newton and his predecessors, while A.J. Ayer, an esteemed philosopher in his own right, offers insight into Hume's theories of perception and self-identity, his analysis of causation, and his moral, political, and religious philosophy.Originally written for the acclaimed Past Masters series, these authoritative studies provide a unique guide to some of the most influential ideas in British philosophy.