Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Locke's empiricism refers to the belief that all knowledge comes from sensory experience. According to Locke, our minds are like a blank slate (tabula rasa) at birth and we acquire knowledge through our senses.
Related terms
Tabula rasa: This term refers to the concept of a 'blank slate' or an empty mind at birth, which according to Locke, is filled with knowledge through sensory experiences.
Nature vs. Nurture: This is an ongoing debate in psychology about the relative influences of genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) on human development.
Critical Periods: These are specific time windows during development when certain experiences or learning must occur for normal development to take place.