Single Idea 12516

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 10. Vagueness / c. Vagueness as ignorance]

Full Idea

The cause of obscurity in simple ideas seems to be either dull organs, or very slight and transient impressions made by the objects, or else a weakness in memory, not able to retain them as received.

Gist of Idea

Obscure simple ideas result from poor senses, brief impressions, or poor memory

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.29.03)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.363


A Reaction

This seems to give some support to the epistemological view of vagueness, with the implication that if our senses and memory were perfect, then our ideas would have perfect clarity.