Locke Vs Descartes
After researching Locke’s ideas and how they ultimately derive from experience, as well as examining his account of the origin of the idea of God, it is evident that Descartes’ alternative source of our idea of God challenges and contradicts Locke’s account. Locke states, “Experience is the source of all our ideas” (366b). On the other hand, Descartes says the following about God: “ God a certain substance that is infinite, independent supremely intelligent and superbly powerful…” (51b). Following these concrete thoughts by these philosophers, one is able to compare these philosophers’ ideas side by side thus creating an analysis. Locke’s beliefs about the origin of the idea of God are ultimately supported by the idea that humans have their
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Conversely, Descartes believes that the origin of the idea of God is more innate being self-ingrained in thought since the beginning. Fundamentally, the two philosophers have conflicting views of the origin of the idea of God, as Locke believes experience strongly influences beliefs and ideas while Descartes believes that ideas are innate thus portraying experience as a non-existent factor.
Locke defines an idea as “Whatever the mind perceives in itself or is the immediate object of perception thought or understanding, that I call idea” (333a; cf. 318b; 322b). In other words the idea concept is decided by what the mind can become aware of which causes recognition and understanding. The fact that the mind has to be aware of something shows a strong reliance on perceptions, which can differ between persons showing the variety and complexity of ideas. Basically, Locke believes that no human being can experience everything and therefore, they cannot have all knowledge available. If they do not have certain experiences then they will not gain certain knowledge. These humans gain their ideas and knowledge from their own experiences. Locke also believes there are two main sources of all of human ideas. One of …show more content…
Introducing the idea of substance and how Descartes influences the knowledge of substance, consider this: “However, we cannot initially become aware of a substance merely through its being an existing thing since this alone does not to itself have any effect on us. We can, however easily come to know a substance by one its attributes, in virtue of the common notion that nothingness possesses no attributes, that is to say, no properties or qualities. Thus if we perceive the presence of some [property or quality] , we can infer that there must also be present an existing thing or substance to which it may be attributed.” (Old Handout, Principles 1/52). Applying this quote to the idea of the origin of God basically states that we can become aware of God merely through God’s existence but this alone does not have any effect on us. We can also come to grips with God by one of God’s attributes. Descartes theory explains that the presence of a property or quality leads us to realization we can think that these properties or qualities can be present in
Conversely, Descartes believes that the origin of the idea of God is more innate being self-ingrained in thought since the beginning. Fundamentally, the two philosophers have conflicting views of the origin of the idea of God, as Locke believes experience strongly influences beliefs and ideas while Descartes believes that ideas are innate thus portraying experience as a non-existent factor.
Locke defines an idea as “Whatever the mind perceives in itself or is the immediate object of perception thought or understanding, that I call idea” (333a; cf. 318b; 322b). In other words the idea concept is decided by what the mind can become aware of which causes recognition and understanding. The fact that the mind has to be aware of something shows a strong reliance on perceptions, which can differ between persons showing the variety and complexity of ideas. Basically, Locke believes that no human being can experience everything and therefore, they cannot have all knowledge available. If they do not have certain experiences then they will not gain certain knowledge. These humans gain their ideas and knowledge from their own experiences. Locke also believes there are two main sources of all of human ideas. One of …show more content…
Introducing the idea of substance and how Descartes influences the knowledge of substance, consider this: “However, we cannot initially become aware of a substance merely through its being an existing thing since this alone does not to itself have any effect on us. We can, however easily come to know a substance by one its attributes, in virtue of the common notion that nothingness possesses no attributes, that is to say, no properties or qualities. Thus if we perceive the presence of some [property or quality] , we can infer that there must also be present an existing thing or substance to which it may be attributed.” (Old Handout, Principles 1/52). Applying this quote to the idea of the origin of God basically states that we can become aware of God merely through God’s existence but this alone does not have any effect on us. We can also come to grips with God by one of God’s attributes. Descartes theory explains that the presence of a property or quality leads us to realization we can think that these properties or qualities can be present in