1 - Locke, knowledge and the innate

Summary

The first and perhaps greatest classic of modern empiricism is John Locke's Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690). The work is divided into four books. The first criticizes innate knowledge, the second explains the origin of ideas in experience, the third discusses language and the fourth the nature and extent of knowledge. The result is an extended discussion of both versions of empiricism. In this chapter, we will focus on his defence of conceptual empiricism and his conception of scientific knowledge and its limits. Other aspects of his theory will be considered in Chapter 2 in connection with Berkeley's criticisms in Chapter 2.

Locke on innate knowledge

Locke's criticism of innate ideas and knowledge is part of his general theory of scientific knowledge. He opposed Descartes's rationalist theory and the Aristotelian-medieval theory. Among the examples of innate truths he considers are:

1. Whatever is, is.

2. It is impossible for the same thing to be and not to be.

3. Do as one would be done to.

4. Virtue is the best worship of God.

5. God exists.

Locke's discussion is divided into three parts. First, he attacks the claim that there are innate speculative truths such as (1) and (2). He rejects Descartes's claim that these are general maxims presupposed by all knowledge and so unlearned.