John Locke Research Paper

Words: 544
Pages: 3

Empiricism is the theory that all knowledge is derived from experiences stemming from the senses. “It is therefore worthwhile, to search out the bounds between opinion and knowledge; and examine by what measures, in things, whereof we have no certain knowledge, we ought to regulate our assent, and moderate our persuasions.” It is with thoughts like this that John Locke has had a fervent effect on paving the road for what we know as Empiricism. By arguing innate principles, then using one’s senses to discern the variance of opinion and knowledge, and finally the ability to understand knowledge is what mark empiricism as the most sensible to support of an epistemological position.
In Book I, Locke states that if there are any innate principles, then everyone would assent to them. By arguing with the nativist Locke puts forward solid evidence that supports whatever is is and nothing can be and not be at the same time. He uses example of the blind trying to describe color or the deaf describing sound. It would be impossible for either to do if they have always been blind or deaf since they are not able to
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Perception is the chosen word because it is due to the secondary quality as to the outcome to how each person receives it. If someone was blind they may be able to tell that they are holding a telephone because they can hear it ring when someone is calling. However, they wouldn’t be able to tell what the background color on the display screen or what name or number showed in the Caller ID was because they couldn’t see it. Someone without that disability could see the phone, feel the phone, and hear it ringing. They might describe a secondary quality description of the color of the display being bright red as where someone else might call it crimson. The secondary quality is an independent relationship between the object and the