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The Empiricists: Locke, The Empiricists: Locke, Introduction and the Criticism Introduction and the Criticism

of Innate Ideasof Innate Ideas

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Against Innate Ideas

3. Conclusion on Book I

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IntroductionIntroductionLocke: Life and WorkLocke: Life and Work

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Life: - Familial background - Historical background- Education- Intellectual life - Political life

Works: - Essay - Two Treatises of Government- Letter on Toleration

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IntroductionIntroductionLocke’s Locke’s EssayEssay: Topic, Method, Horizon: Topic, Method, Horizon

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

The Essay ‘s topic: the limits of human understanding

Method:- Empiricism- Naturalism – methodological vs ontological- Historical Method – descriptive account of ideas and understanding

Horizon: practice and morals

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IntroductionIntroductionLocke’s Locke’s EssayEssay: Organization: Organization

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Locke announced plan: 1.Origin of ideas2.Kinds of knowledge3.Nature and grounds of faith and opinion

In fact:Book I: against innate ideas Book II: origin of ideasBook III: analysis of language Book IV: faith and opinion

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Against Innate Ideas

3. Conclusion on Book I

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Against Innate IdeasAgainst Innate IdeasIntroductionIntroduction

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Why does Locke need to criticize the opposite view? – biased readers expected

The question of Locke’s target: - Descartes? - Broad range of English philosophers

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Against Innate IdeasAgainst Innate IdeasInnate ideas = Universal AssentInnate ideas = Universal Assent

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

The argument from universal assent: P1 There exists propositions which are the object of universal consentP2 Universal consent InnatenessCC: there exists innate propositions

Locke’s criticism- Against P1– the child and the idiot- Against P2 – well-watered grass is green

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Against Innate IdeasAgainst Innate IdeasI.I. = Unconscious but Self-EvidentI.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

A weaker take on P1: actual vs dispositional innate ideas

The argument:P1 There exists propositions in our understanding of which we are not conscious ofP2 Such propositions universally appear as self-evident to the attentive human mindP3 Universal self-evidence is a sufficient mark of innatenessCC: there exists dormant but innate propositions in our minds

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Against Innate IdeasAgainst Innate IdeasI.I. = Unconscious but Self-EvidentI.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Locke’s criticism - Against P1: either false or trivialCore thesis: all thoughts are conscious- Against P3: infinite number of such propositions - Note that Locke accepts P2: There exists propositions which universally appear self-evident to the attentive human mind

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Against Innate IdeasAgainst Innate IdeasThe Moral ViewpointThe Moral Viewpoint

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Reminder: Locke’s target

Innate Ideas and Morality: the common viewInnate principles against moral relativism

Innate Ideas and Morality: Locke’s viewAuthority, ignorance, laziness and servitude vs Critical use of reason

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OutlineOutline

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

1. Introduction

2. Against Innate Ideas

3. Conclusion on Book I

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ConclusionConclusion

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

Locke: a man engaged in modern times

Locke’s aim: naturalistic and empiricist description of the mechanisms by which our understanding constructs and use ideas

Preliminary duty: Against innate ideasLocke does not deny that universally self-evident propositions exists. He denies that this proves them innate.

Our duty: In all domains, our duty is to use our reason for critical thinking.