John Locke: The Mind Behind Tabula Rasa (1632 - 1704)

John Locke, a key figure in the Enlightenment era, proposed the concept of "tabula rasa," meaning "blank slate." According to Locke, individuals are born without innate ideas or knowledge. Instead, our minds are like blank slates upon which experiences and perceptions are inscribed. He believed that knowledge is derived from sensory experiences and empirical observations. Locke's theory challenged prevailing views of innate knowledge and contributed significantly to the development of modern empiricism. His ideas continue to influence fields such as philosophy, psychology, and education.