The Lockean approach to the problem of universals: A question of adequacy

• Main Author: Patenia, Nico Juanario P.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Knowledge; Theory of; Idea (Philosophy); Universals (Philosophy); Philosophy
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2341
• Institution: De La Salle University

This thesis paper aims to prove that John Locke's theory of ideas and words is an adequate solution to the problem of universals. We arrive at this by identifying a non-arbitrary, indiscriminate set of criteria, that would prove a particular theory as an adequate solution to the problem of universals e.g. logical consistency, philosophical soundness, and explanatory power. We are to not only put this set of criteria in application to John Locke's theory, but also to others' as well. And it is because the ideational theory passes not one, not two, but all three criteria that we are able to conclude that it is an adequate solution to the problem of universals. Moreover, it is because we are to put Locke's theory in comparison with other theories, that are directed to the problem of universals, that we are able to infer that -to some extent-his theory is the best solution available to us.