Descartes and Locke Descartes Believed Term Paper

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(Descartes)

Locke

Locke, in opposition to Descartes, believed that empirical, or sensory, knowledge is to be trusted over innate knowledge. By empirical knowledge, Locke referred to any ideas derived from external sensory experiences of the body, or internal sensory experiences involving reflection of the mind. He claimed that every idea or piece of knowledge held by a particular man can be traced to either sensation or reflection, therefore there is no proof that innate knowledge is necessary or even exists. Furthermore, Locke said innate knowledge cannot be trusted because it is not available to all men; the mentally disabled and the very young are clearly not "born" with the ability to comprehend rational concepts the way other men are. Finally, Locke argues that empiricism is superior to innate knowledge because even among men of equal age and intelligence, there is tremendous variation among what those men "know.

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" If this knowledge was innate or free of any sensory experience, all men would be expected to share the same basic knowledge base. Locke points out that what we know depends entirely on what we choose to pay attention to and think about; in other words, the experiences we choose to open our senses to, and the experiences we choose to reflect upon. As he said, "…a man may live long and die at last in ignorance of many truths which his mind was capable of knowing." Therefore, truth as Descartes views it -- innate, rational knowing -- does not necessarily exist and is therefore inferior to sensory knowledge. (Locke)

Descartes, Rene. "Meditations on the First Philosophy in Which the Existence of God and the Distinction Between Mind and Body Are Demonstrated." Unknown.

Locke, John. "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding 38E." William Tegg,….....

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