Single Idea 8100

[catalogued under 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 2. Origin of Concepts / c. Nativist concepts]

Full Idea

The idea of the nest in the bird's mind, where does it come from?

Gist of Idea

Where does the bird's idea of a nest come from?

Source

Joseph Joubert (Notebooks [1800], 1800)

Book Reference

Joubert,Joseph: 'Notebooks', ed/tr. Auster,Paul [nyrb 2005], p.67


A Reaction

I think this is a very striking example in support of innate ideas. Most animal behaviour can be explained as responses to stimuli, but the bird seems to hold a model in its mind while it collects its materials.