The Locke readings are up. Sorry about
the formatting--might take up a lot of
paper when and if you print it. Also, since
the webboard was down last night, I'll
give until Monday at noon to hear from
anybody who wants a reader. I'm only
going to print them for those who email
me. Please email me directly by clicking
the "email" link on the WebBoard or
sending me a new message. Just
clicking reply will send your response to
everyone.

Possible discussion questions about
Locke:

1. Innate ideas are ideas it is commonly
thought (even today) that we're born with.
Ideas typically thought to be innate
include morality ("everyone has an innate
sense of right and wrong"), God (c.f.
Descartes), and logic and mathematics.
What reasons does Locke give for
rejecting the concept of innate ideas? Are
his arguments convincing?

2. How would Descartes respond to
Locke's criticisms of innate ideas?

3. What's the difference between having
innate knowledge and having an innate
capacity to aquire it. Rationalists say we
have the former, empiricists say only the
latter. Is there a difference, if so, what is
it?

4. (From the study guide): Why might
someone suggest that Locke's concept of
substance is inconsistent with his
empiricist principles?

5. Do you think rationalism or empiricism
is the better theory of knowledge? Why?

Prof. Borrowdale
borrowdalej@lanecc.edu
541-463-5434