Simple Ideas

In Book II, Locke wishes to show where knowledge comes from, since he feels he has clearly shown where it does not come from. He basically says that all knowledge comes from simple ideas and simple ideas come from experience. Therefore implying that knowledge comes from experience. Locke says that the only 2 ways a mind can pick up simple ideas is through sensation or by reflection. Sensation deals with the senses, meaning we obtain information through sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Reflection deals with actions of the mind; such as thinking, doubting, etc.

I agree with Locke on this subject. I think that all knowledge we have must come from our senses and experience. It seems that there is no other way for us to obtain any information. As Locke pointed out in Book I, innate ideas are impossible since not everybody agrees on a single thing, so therefore there is no other way for us to obtain knowledge except through senses.