Single Idea 12543

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 2. Intuition]

Full Idea

There is intuitive knowledge when the mind perceives the truth as the eye doth light (white is not black, the circle is not a triangle). This knowledge is the clearest and most certain...on this depends the certainty and evidence of all knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Intuition gives us direct and certain knowledge of what is obvious

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 4.02.01)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.531


A Reaction

Locke is different because he doesn't just talk of intuition, but of intuitive 'knowledge'. He has the standard problems of discriminating between good and bad intuitions, weak and strong, yours versus mine. Compare Russell's 'knowledge by acquaintance'.