An Essay concerning Human Understanding

‘I must apply my self to Experience; as far as that reaches, I may have certain Knowledge, but no farther.’ In An Essay concerning Human Understanding, John Locke sets out his theory of knowledge and how we acquire it. Eschewing doctrines of innate principles and ideas, Locke shows how all our ideas, even the most abstract and complex, are grounded in human experience and
attained by sensation of external things or reflection upon our own mental activities. A thorough examination of the communication of ideas through language and the conventions of taking words as signs of ideas paves the way for his penetrating critique of the limitations
of ideas and the extent of our knowledge of ourselves, the world, God, and morals. Locke’s masterpiece laid the foundation of British empiricism and is of enduring interest to anyone exploring the development of philosophical thought. This sensitive abridgement uses P. H. Nidditch’s authoritative text, and together with an illuminating introduction and other features, makes Locke’s arguments more accessible. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World’s
Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of
other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Author Biography

Pauline Phemister is Reader in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.