An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (Penguin Classics)

by John Locke (Author), Roger Woolhouse (Editor)

• New

  Paperback
  1997

  $15.69

  In An Essay Concerning Human Understanding , first published in 1690, John Locke (1632-1704) provides a complete account of how we acquire everyday, mathematical, natural scientific, religious and ethical knowledge. Rejecting the theory that some knowledge is innate in us, Locke argues that it derives from sense perceptions and experience, as analysed and developed by reason. While defending these central claims with vigorous common sense, Locke offers many incidental - and highly influential - reflections on space and time, meaning, free will and personal identity. The result is a powerful, pioneering work, which, together with Descartes' works, largely set the agenda for modern philosophy.

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $3.28

  In this essay, Locke makes clear the routes by which philosophy was to develop as a study distinct from the natural sciences, and he argues for views on society, religion, language, education and progress that have subsequently become widely influential in the mainstream of European thought.

• New

  Paperback
  2008

  $15.68

  'I must apply my self to Experience; as far as that reaches, I may have certain Knowledge, but no farther.' In An Essay concerning Human Understanding, John Locke sets out his theory of knowledge and how we acquire it. Eschewing doctrines of innate principles and ideas, Locke shows how all our ideas, even the most abstract and complex, are grounded in human experience and attained by sensation of external things or reflection upon our own mental activities. A thorough examination of the communication of ideas through language and the conventions of taking words as signs of ideas paves the way for his penetrating critique of the limitations of ideas and the extent of our knowledge of ourselves, the world, God, and morals. Locke's masterpiece laid the foundation of British empiricism and is of enduring interest to anyone exploring the development of philosophical thought. This sensitive abridgement uses P. H. Nidditch's authoritative text, and together with an illuminating introduction and other features, makes Locke's arguments more accessible. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.