lec 9 lec 5 loc
Introduction to John Locke
Born in England, 1632, shortly before Descartes' publication of Discourse on Method
Educated and later taught at Oxford University
Worked as a physician and adviser to the influential Lord Shaftesbury
Lived in Paris and Holland from 1683 until the Glorious Revolution in 1688
Key Works and Their Impact
Locke published three major works in 1689:
Epistola de Tolerantia (A Letter Concerning Toleration)
Advocates for religious freedom; argued in Latin first and later translated
Two Treatises of Government
Offers a defense of political rights and revolution
Influential in the American Revolution
Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Established Locke as a founder of British empiricism
Notably referred to as the "bible of the European Enlightenment"
Focus on Epistemology
The lecture will primarily examine Locke's epistemology rather than political philosophy
Gilbert Ryle's perspective: despite Locke's flaws, his influence surpasses others since Aristotle
Edward Fazer's observation: Locke shaped modern scientific inquiry
Influence and Ideas on Knowledge
Some view Locke's influence as flawed but still significant due to its practical applications
Ryle's view: Locke's deflationary account of knowledge aimed to alleviate political and religious conflicts
Deflationary account: suggests a lesser extent of human knowledge
Locke's Inquiry Motivation
Motivated by his concern over reason and experience's role in understanding moral and religious truths
Empiricism proposes knowledge derives from experience, linking to moral and religious understanding
Core Tenets of Empiricism
Natural powers operate within a social and physical environment
Conscious experience shapes ideas and knowledge
Linguistic abuse can mislead understanding; critique of scholastic systems
Religious fervor and sectarian conflict critiqued, urging tolerance
Role of Science
Science requires defined propositions and deserves respect, but its success is limited
Locke emphasizes recognizing the limits of human understanding
Understanding the Mind
Locke suggests taking a survey of our own understanding and capabilities
Asserts that understanding has limitations and attempting to grasp them fosters tolerance of differing views
Position Against Innate Ideas
Locke argues against the existence of innate principles or ideas
No universally acknowledged theoretical or moral truths based on children's understanding
Critiques innate ideas as contradictory; they cannot exist in the mind without awareness
Emphasis on autonomy in epistemological, political, and religious contexts
Limitations of Knowledge
Locke's skepticism about the extent of knowledge suggests reliance on personal experience is paramount
Distinguishes between empiricism and the potential fallacy of taking authority for truth
Issues remain about reliance on the testimony of others vs. personal verification
The dialectic between knowledge and skepticism might suggest a complex dynamic in understanding
Conclusion
Locke's philosophy introduces critical inquiries into the nature of knowledge and human understanding
His arguments will be explored further in the context of his works, particularly in Book Two of his Essay
Includes discussions on ideas, experience, and the critique of innate ideas for a comprehensive understanding of knowledge.