Tabula rasa–its origins and implications

This paper argues that John Locke formulated the concept of tabula rasa to resolve the conflict between the belief in divine determination and the liberal belief in individual freedom. It is pointed out that Locke's concepts of tabula rasa does not deny the existence of biologically innate aspects of nature. In addition, it is found that a number of current theories dealing with theory formation are inadequate for explaining the origins of such key concepts as tabula rasa. As a consequence, an alternative theory of concept formation is proposed. Finally, it is argued that the tabula rasa doctrine cannot be considered as the original impetus to the development of the theory of the social determination of behavior.