Single Idea 12544

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge]

Full Idea

The extent of our knowledge comes not only short of the reality of things, but even of the extent of our own ideas.

Gist of Idea

Our knowledge falls short of the extent of our own ideas

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 4.03.06)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.539


A Reaction

The point is that we may be unable to find the links which make the connections. Which implies that there are real connections waiting to be found. We could call this 'conceptual realism'. A job for philosophers!