Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Locke on Human Understanding

Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Locke on Human Understanding introduces John Locke and his major work, ^Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Locke's Essay remains a key work in a number of fields of philosophy, notably in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophies of mind and language. It is also a key book in courses on modern philosophy where Locke is often studied (often controversially) as the first of the British Empiricists. Knowledge of the text is vital for any student of philosophy. Jonathon Lowe's approach enables students to effectively study Locke's Essay. Locke's life and works are placed in their intellectual context to help the student understand the importance of the Esssay in his time. He then provides a critical examination of the leading themes in the Essay drawing out the main lines of Locke's thinking: innate ideas, perception, primary and secondary qualities, substance, personal identity, free will and action, and language. He is able to consider recent important work on Locke and show this great English philosophers continuing importance in modern philosophical thought. Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Locke on Human Understanding is ideal for students studying Locke for the first time and providing essential background for the many areas of philosophy in which the Essay has proved to be so influential. Locke's important work in political philosophy will be considered in a separate GuideBook, Locke on Government.