Locke

• What is the core principle of Locke's empiricism?

  • Locke's empiricism is based on the belief that there are "no innate ideas."
  • All ideas come from external sources, primarily through sensation and reflection.
  • Ideas are anything that presents themselves to the mind, ranging from simple to complex.
• What are simple ideas according to Locke, and how are they categorized?

  • Simple ideas are basic qualities that present themselves to the mind. Locke categorizes them into:
  • Primary qualities: Quantitative attributes, such as size, shape, and motion.
  • Secondary qualities: Qualitative attributes, like colour, taste, and sound.
• How are complex ideas formed according to Locke?

  • Complex ideas are combinations of simple ideas, derived from sensations and/or reflections.
  • These complex ideas can be conceptualized by combining multiple simple ideas to form a more intricate understanding.
• What does Locke mean by "substances" and how do they relate to qualities?

  • Locke defines substances as "something I know not what," representing a "supposed but unknown support of those qualities we find existing."
  • Substances are a support system for the bundles of qualities observed, though their exact nature remains unknown.