1. The Empiricists: Locke, Introduction and the Criticism of Innate Ideas
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

2. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Against Innate Ideas
3. Conclusion on Book I
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

3. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Introduction
Locke: Life and Work
Life:
Familial background
Historical background
Education
Intellectual life
Political life
Works:
Essay
Two Treatises of Government
Letter on Toleration
Locke was a man of his time, engaged both in the political and scientific/philosophical revolutions.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

4. Locke’s Essay: Topic, Method, Horizon
Introduction
Locke’s Essay: Topic, Method, Horizon
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
Locke does not intend to give a true foundation for the new science, does not look for knowledge for itself, but has a practical ultimate goal.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

5. Locke’s Essay: Organization
Introduction
Locke’s Essay: Organization
Locke announced plan:
Origin of ideas
Kinds of knowledge
Nature and grounds of faith and opinion
In fact:
Book I: against innate ideas
Book II: origin of ideas
Book III: analysis of language
Book IV: faith and opinion
We will focus on Books I and II.
Is it possible to do without postulating innate knowledge?
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

6. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Against Innate Ideas
3. Conclusion on Book I
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

7. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Against Innate Ideas
Introduction
Why does Locke need to criticize the opposite view? – biased readers expected
The question of Locke’s target:
Descartes?
Broad range of English philosophers
Locke needs to argue against both the notion of innate ideas and the claim that disposing of innate ideas is detrimental to morality
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

8. Innate ideas = Universal Assent
Against Innate Ideas
Innate ideas = Universal Assent
The argument from universal assent:
P1 There exists propositions which are the object of universal consent
P2 Universal consent  Innateness
CC: there exists innate propositions
Locke’s criticism
Against P1– the child and the idiot
Against P2 – well-watered grass is green
None of the premises seem to hold
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

9. I.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident
Against Innate Ideas
I.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident
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 of
P2 Such propositions universally appear as self-evident to the attentive human mind
P3 Universal self-evidence is a sufficient mark of innateness
CC: there exists dormant but innate propositions in our minds
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

10. I.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident
Against Innate Ideas
I.I. = Unconscious but Self-Evident
Locke’s criticism
Against P1: either false or trivial
Core 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
Locke does not deny that some propositions are universal of self-evident: he denies that universality and self-evidence is a mark of innateness
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

11. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Against Innate Ideas
The Moral Viewpoint
Reminder: Locke’s target
Innate Ideas and Morality: the common view
Innate principles against moral relativism
Innate Ideas and Morality: Locke’s view
Authority, ignorance, laziness and servitude vs Critical use of reason
According to Locke, the notion of innate moral principle does not serve morality, quite the contrary.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

12. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Against Innate Ideas
3. Conclusion on Book I
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

13. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Conclusion
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 ideas
Locke 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.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana