Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions
The concept of 'tabula rasa' in the philosophy of John Locke refers to the idea that the mind is a blank slate at birth, devoid of any innate ideas or knowledge. According to Locke, individuals acquire all their knowledge and ideas through sensory experience and reflection. He argued that the mind is like a blank tablet or "tabula rasa" upon which experiences and perceptions are imprinted, shaping one's understanding of the world. This concept challenges the notion of innate knowledge or predetermined ideas, emphasizing the importance of empirical observation and personal experience in the formation of knowledge and understanding.