Ideas, Qualities and Corpuscles (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521107341)

This study presents a substantial and often radical reinterpretation of some of the central themes of Locke's thought. Professor Alexander concentrates on the Essay Concerning Human Understanding and aims to restore that to its proper historical context. In Part I he gives a clear exposition of some of the scientific theories of Robert Boyle, which, he argues, heavily influenced Locke in employing similar concepts and terminology. Against this background, he goes on in Part II to provide an account of Locke's views on the external world and our knowledge of it. He shows those views to be more consistent and plausible than is generally allowed, demonstrating how they make sense and enable scientific explanations of nature. In examining the views of Locke and Boyle together, the book throws light both on the development of philosophy and the beginnings of modern science, and in particular it makes a considerable and original contribution to our understanding of Locke's philosophy.

Author: Peter Alexander
ISBN-10: 0521107342
ISBN-13: 9780521107341
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 04/02/2009
Pages: 348
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.78d