John Locke

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In this essay I argue that the late philosopher Locke has the most compelling theory of metaphysics. First, I explain Locke’s point that all humans are born as Tabula Rasa, in order to gain basic understanding of where Locke begins his theory. Second, I discuss how Locke argues how we obtain knowledge, empiricism and representationalism, and knowledge about the work varies between strong and weak inferences. Third, I will provide counter examples to Locke’s ideas, and will explain why these counter examples work for Locke’s theories provided. Finally, I address some of the ways that Locke might respond to my objections.
The following paragraph will be used to define and understand the concepts of the following key terms that Locke uses: epistemology, Tabula Rasa, knowledge, empiricism, representationalism, and inferences. Epistemology is the study of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity (Merriam). The Tabula Rasa is translated directly from the Latin, meaning blank slate; Locke uses Tabula Rasa stating that humans are not born with innate ideas. When Locke speaks about knowledge he is talking about what is derived from the world through observation. Empiricism is the preference for observation; the idea that knowledge and reality can be understood through experimentation, hypothesis, and testing. Representationalism is knowing the idea of an object as it occurs in our minds, the world causes sensory perceptions which become knowledge (Matheis). Lastly, the term inferences, is the act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true.
Locke’s argument and theory of the Tabula Rasa originated in the eleventh century by an Islamic philosopher, ...

... middle of paper ...

... that all knowledge begins with sensory perceptions, and with this argument he states that reason alone does not guarantee knowledge. After giving you the idea of how knowledge comes about, he then gives you the two bases for knowledge through empiricism and representationalism. Lastly, Locke has us consider weak and strong inferences and how they can also help our knowledge.

Works Cited

"Epistemology." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, 8 May 2011. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

Matheis, C. Lecture Notes on Locke.2013. Print.

Uzgalis, William, Uzgalis,. "John Locke." Stanford University. Stanford University, 02 Sept. 2001. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.

Al-Rodhan, Nayef, Dr. "Innate Knowledge." Innate Knowledge. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.

Rizvi, Sajjad H. "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Avicenna (Ibn Sina) . Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 6 Jan. 2006. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.

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