Innatism

Innatism

The claim that there is at least some innate knowledge, not derived from experience, but somehow part of the structure of the mind.

The slave boy argument

Socrates demonstrates that an uneducated slave can discover innate geometric truths, specifically that a square constructed on the diagonal of a 2x2 square has an area of 8, suggesting knowledge exists within the mind prior to education.

Leibniz’s view of the mind

A veined block of marble

Necessary truths

Things that are true in all possible worlds and cannot be otherwise (mathematics).

Leibniz’s Innatism

Necessary truths are universal and cannot be derived from experience, they must arise from innate rational structures within the mind.

Tabula rasa

Blank slate

Argument from Universal Consent Fails

If ideas were innate, everyone would be aware of them but children and those with cognitive impairments are not aware of logical principles or innate ideas.

No Evidence of Innate Moral Principles

Moral rules vary between cultures. If moral truths were innate, they would be universally recognised. 

All Ideas Come from Experience

Simple ideas come from sensation (external experience) and reflection (internal mental processes). Complex ideas are built from these simple ideas.

Response to argument from universal consent fails

Innate ideas need not be consciously present. They can exist like veins in marble. 

Response to no evidence of innate moral principles

Maybe morals are not innate. Basic moral tendencies such as fairness may still be universal beneath surface differences. 

Response to all ideas come from experience

Necessary truths such as maths and logic appear to go beyond experience. Experience provides particular instances, not necessity. Necessary truths require a priori justification.