John Locke
England, seventeenth century
He traced the origin of ideas to sensation and reflection on mental operations.
Historical context
Locke’s Essay was published in 1689 with a 1690 title page. His writings on government and toleration belong to English debates about authority, property, and religious coexistence.
Overview
Sensation informs us about external objects. Reflection gives access to operations such as remembering, comparing, or doubting. Both provide materials the mind can combine into complex ideas.
Main claims
Sensation and reflection explain the origin of simple ideas.
Debates and nuances
Reflection is also a source of ideas in his version of empiricism.
This entry provides educational context.