Concept Empiricism Flashcards
How do we create an idea of something, according to Hume?
Upon first perception we formulate an impression. Several of these impressions can be strung together to build an “idea” of what something looks like or functions.
This can then be re-visited within our mind at a later point, depending on the strength and frequency of our impressions.
What does Hume claim that all concepts stem from?
Sensory experience.
Using empirical data is the way to determine concepts and theories within our world.
How can the strength of a concept be determined according to Hume?
If the strength and reliability of our sensory experience isn’t adequate, then the concept itself deserves criticism and doubt.
When validating concepts through empiricism, how does morality become an issue?
What determines a moral act often can’t be validated through the senses. Although it could be argued that what causes pain to others is ultimately immoral and shouldn’t be repeated so we can use individual empirical data to influence how we treat others.
Opposing this, fraud may be immoral but what empirical data can show this? Same goes for treachery and other acts that don’t cause direct physical pain but are deemed to be wrong.
The concept of the self becomes subject to issues, how?
The internal self is a construct and can’t be tangibly measured so how could we determine the validity of the concept through sensory data if it’s literally impossible to have a sensory experience of our inner selves.
What does Locke claim about our ideas and concepts?
Locke is a proponent of Concept Empiricism.
He believes that everything we understand derives from sensory experience, involving concepts, theories and knowledge of the world.
Everyone is a blank slate or Tabula Rasa, ready to have ourselves moulded and shaped by our external sensory experiences.
