This paper offers a new interpretation of Locke's challenge to the doctrine of innateness. I disagree with recent claims that Locke's arguments undermine nativism. But I also argue that this conclusion does not diminish their lasting contribution to the old and new debate over concept acquisition. Their lasting contribution consists in raising awareness-- among among nativists of all times -- of the necessity to be clear about the nature of the hidden structure of thought. More precisely, why is this hidden structure specified in intentional as opposed to non-intentional terms? And what are the motivations underlying each specification? This is the real challenge of Locke's critique of nativism. I reach these conclusions by first laying out the varieties of dispositional nativism that Locke was attacking; by discussing the basic structure of Locke's arguments and, finally, by assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
Event Details
The Real Challenge of Locke's Critique of Nativism
- Event Date: December 9, 2010
- Event Start Time: 12:00 PM
- Event End Time: 7:00 PM
- Event Location: Rutgers University, Department of Philosophy
- Event Semester: Fall 2010
- Event Contact: Dr. Raffaella De Rosa
- Event Extra info: <a href="http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~gabri">Dr. Raffaella De Rosa</a>