Question

Explain Locke's idea of tabula rasa. How does he think humans learn? Your answer should be at least one hundred words.

Answer 1

Locke’s notion of tabula rasa means that every individual is born with a clean slate or that the human brain is empty free from any information, identity or personality at birth. A person begins to accumulate information through experience and exposure as he or she matures. Thus, the environment and the people the infant encounters are the sources of his or her identity and they are the ones that influence his or her personality. In short, when a child is born in an environment of peace and order to parents who shower him or her with love and care, he or she would grow up to be an ideal person. On the other hand, if he or she is exposed to chaos and abuse, he or she would end up being a violent and problematic person.