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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Locke define simple ideas?

2. What quality does Locke say innate principles lack?

3. Which is NOT a method Locke describes for forming a complex idea?

4. How does Locke try to look at understanding?

5. What does Locke say retention allows us to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the two kinds of ideas Locke describes.

2. In what way is knowledge limited, according to Locke?

3. What does Locke set out to do in Book II?

4. How does Locke define discerning?

5. What is the difference between natural principles and innate principles?

6. What arguments does Locke make against innate knowledge?

7. What does Locke say happens if two people have the same idea about a thing?

8. What aspect of knowledge does Locke exclude from "Essay Concerning Human Understanding"?

9. What example does Locke use of natural principles?

10. How does Locke define the faculty of perception?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Which was more important in Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding," the actual terminology Locke uses for breaking knowledge down into parts, or the concept that epistemology liberates people from the concepts of instinctual knowledge of concepts like right and wrong?

Essay Topic 2

In what way has modern society changed our view of Locke's philosophy? Choose a technology or form of knowledge that forces us to reevaluate Locke's philosophy, and describe how Locke would incorporate or account for it.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of the author based on his style and content. What values does he hold dear? What are his hopes and fears? What kind of person do you think he is? Anchor your sketch in passages in the book.

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