Answer to Question #200088 in Philosophy for Rearabetswe Maleka

Question

Does Locke's theory of knowledge make it impossible for us to have knowledge of the 

external world?

- Make sure to include a discussion on your own views on his theory and whether you 

agree. 

Answer 1

Stance on whether in agreement with or not that Locke's theory of knowledge makes it impossible for us to know the External world

Introduction

           I'm convinced that Locke's theory of knowledge makes it impossible for us to know the external world. Firstly, his definition of knowledge in the expression of recommendations makes comprehension of the real world. Locke stated two sources of knowledge that are reflection and sensation. The sensation objects are the things that are external to our minds, and the objects of contemplation or reflection are internal operations of the mind. Locke further put that knowledge of the world is a comprehension of something different from our mind and, of course, different from a suggestion in our minds.

           Locke's theory of knowledge emphasizes three primary objectives in his philosophical projection of discovering where our ideas come from, finding out the meaning of having ideas, and what thoughts are essential. And to evaluate the matter of opinion and faith to decide how rationally we should proceed in the situation of knowledge limitation. Locke opposed the thought that everyone is born knowing particular basic skills. The common explanation for this optimism in intrinsic principles is that certain standards exist, which every human being assent to such principles universally. Locke asserts that, on the opposite, no standard is agreed to by all humans. After all, if universal agreement concerning something did exist, the acceptance could have come in a way other than through innate knowledge (Rickless, 2008).

           Locke argued against natural knowledge, stating that human beings cannot have objectives or ideas in their minds of which they do not know.  Therefore individuals cannot have acquired fundamental principles until they figure out for themselves or are coached. He further argued that since human beings vary significantly according to their moral thoughts, moral comprehension must not be inherent. Besides, Locke challenges that the thesis of innate ideas asserts that opinion always cited as inherent is so confusing and composite that thought and schooling are needed to seize their understanding. In opposition to the affirmation that God is an inherently thought, Locke chip that God is not an idea accepted universally and that his presence cannot be inherent to human knowledge.

Conclusion

            From Locke's theory of knowledge, we conclude that objects have features that make us have sensation; for instance, when one perceives the characteristics of pineapple, then develop thoughts for whatever the pineapple looks like. In simple terms, Locke has a strong mental conception that there is a real, physical world, and our interest or sensation assists individuals in creating a mental comprehension of the world (Rickless, 2008).

References

Rickless, S. C. (2008). Is Locke's Theory of Knowledge Inconsistent?. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 77(1), 83-104.