Synopses & Reviews
This book deals with problems raised in Locke's Essay concerning Human Understanding that remain of interest to contemporary philosophers. The main topics discussed are primary and secondary qualities, representative theories of perception, substance, real and nominal essence, abstraction and universals, identity and diversity, personal identity, and innate ideas and empiricism.
Review
"A clear, lively, and original series of discussions which reflect well on both Locke and their author."--Times Literary Supplement
"Extremely lucid and...readable....What emerges is an appreciation of the extent to which Locke's philosophy is constitutive of our contemporary view of the world....This should prove to be a very useful addition to any undergraduate library. Highly recommended."--Choice
Synopsis
In this book Mr. Mackie selects for critical discussion six related topic which are prominent in John Locke's Essay concerning Human Understanding: the distinction between primary and secondary qualities; representative theories of perception; substance, real essence, and nominal essence; abstract ideas, universals, and the meaning of general terms; identity, especially personal identity; and the conflict between empiricism and the doctrine of innate ideas.