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Single Idea 1823

[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 3. Innate Knowledge / b. Recollection doctrine ]

Full Idea

We could not seek for anything if we had not some notion of it.

Gist of Idea

We can't seek for things if we have no idea of them

Source

report of Epicurus (fragments/reports [c.289 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 10.21

Book Ref

Diogenes Laertius: 'Diogenes Laertius', ed/tr. Yonge,C.D. [Henry G. Bohn 1853], p.436

The 6 ideas with the same theme [knowledge as memories from a previous life]:

5985 Seeking and learning are just recollection [Plato]
5986 The slave boy learns geometry from questioning, not teaching, so it is recollection [Plato]
357 People are obviously recollecting when they react to a geometrical diagram [Plato]
359 If we feel the inadequacy of a resemblance, we must recollect the original [Plato]
5961 The soul gets its goodness from god, and its evil from previous existence. [Plato]
1823 We can't seek for things if we have no idea of them [Epicurus, by Diog. Laertius]