An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1: MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 1 and 2Locke, John
Philosophy
An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1: MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 1 and 2
Locke, John
Knowledge, Theory of -- Early works to 1800
Though I have, in the foregoing chapters, shown how from simple ideas
taken in by sensation, the mind comes to extend itself even to
infinity; which, however it may of all others seem most remote from any
sensible perception, yet at last hath nothing in it but what is made
out of simple ideas: received into the mind by the senses, and
afterwards there put together, by the faculty the mind has to repeat
its own ideas; —Though, I say, these might be instances enough of
simple modes of the simple ideas of sensation, and suffice to show how
the mind comes by them, yet I shall, for method’s sake, though briefly,
give an account of some few more, and then proceed to more complex
ideas.
2. Simple modes of motion.
To slide, roll, tumble, walk, creep, run, dance, leap, skip, and
abundance of others that might be named, are words which are no sooner
heard but every one who understands English has presently in his mind
distinct ideas, which are all but the different modifications of
motion. Modes of motion answer those of extension; swift and slow are
two different ideas of motion, the measures whereof are made of the
distances of time and space put together; so they are complex ideas,
comprehending time and space with motion.
3. Modes of Sounds.
The like variety have we in sounds. Every articulate word is a
different modification of sound; by which we see that, from the sense
of hearing, by such modifications, the mind may be furnished with
distinct ideas, to almost an infinite number. Sounds also, besides the
distinct cries of birds and beasts, are modified by diversity of notes
of different length put together, which make that complex idea called a
tune, which a musician may have in his mind when he hears or makes no
sound at all, by reflecting on the ideas of those sounds, so put
together silently in his own fancy.
4. Modes of Colours.
Those of colours are also very various: some we take notice of as the
different degrees, or as they were termed shades, of the same colour.
But since we very seldom make assemblages of colours, either for use or
delight, but figure is taken in also, and has its part in it, as in
painting, weaving, needleworks, &c.;—those which are taken notice of do
most commonly belong to MIXED MODES, as being made up of ideas of
divers kinds, viz. figure and colour, such as beauty, rainbow, &c.
5. Modes of Tastes.
All compounded tastes and smells are also modes, made up of the simple
ideas of those senses. But they, being such as generally we have no
names for, are less taken notice of, and cannot be set down in writing;
and therefore must be left without enumeration to the thoughts and
experience of my reader.
6. Some simple Modes have no Names.
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