Epistemology: 4. Leibniz' Veined Marble Theory

Question 1

What is Locke’s Tabula Rasa argument?

Answer 1

Locke’s Idea of Tabula Rasa argues that innate ideas would have to be universal, from birth, and something we are conscious of. Since nothing fits this criteria, we are born as a ‘blank slate’ with knowledge coming from experience.

Question 2

What does Leibniz argue about unconscious knowledge?

Answer 2

Leibniz argues that we use general principles universally without consciously thinking about them, suggesting that knowledge can exist unconsciously.

Question 3

What are the three criteria Locke claimed innate knowledge must meet?

Answer 3

• Universal
• From birth
• Something we are or have been conscious of

Question 4

How does Leibniz challenge Locke’s view on knowledge experience?

Answer 4

Leibniz posits that we unconsciously deploy knowledge of abstract principles, countering Locke’s assertion that we experience particular cases before knowing the abstract principle.

Question 5

What is Leibniz’s view on innate knowledge as a disposition?

Answer 5

Leibniz claims innate knowledge is not ‘fully formed’ but is more than a ‘capacity’, indicating that we are innately programmed to shape our understanding of the world.

Question 6

How does Michelangelo’s view of sculpture relate to Leibniz’s argument for innate ideas?

Answer 6

Michelangelo viewed sculpture as revealing the form within the marble, analogous to uncovering innate knowledge that exists within us, needing effort to be exposed.

Question 7

What analogy does Leibniz use to explain innate knowledge?

Answer 7

Leibniz uses the analogy of a veined block of marble, suggesting that the ‘veins’ represent innate truths that require effort to uncover.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: According to Leibniz, the actual knowledge of necessary truths isn’t innate; what is innate is the potential knowledge of it, akin to the _______ of the marble outlining a shape.

Answer 8

[veins]

Question 9

True or False: Locke accepted the idea of innate knowledge as a capacity for knowledge.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What does Leibniz mean by stating that the human mind has a certain natural grain?

Answer 10

Leibniz suggests that the mind is predisposed to employ certain principles and think in particular ways from birth.

Question 11

How do Locke and Leibniz differ in their views about knowing abstract principles?

Answer 11

Locke believes we first experience particular cases before abstract principles, while Leibniz argues we can access these principles unconsciously.