Mentor/s
Dr. Anna Vaughn
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
In Locke’s Essay, he introduces the Associations of Ideas, as the linking of ideas so that, if one is brought to mind so is the other. Locke’s definition describes these associations as either emerging voluntarily or involuntarily (by chance). I argue, however, that all associations are in part involuntary. This diminishes the role of voluntary actions in Locke’s description, though they still can lead to the opportunities that allow for associations to be created. Nevertheless, this adjustment to Locke’s framework implies a weakness of reason in a few ways. Firstly, Locke intended for associations to be what allowed for unlike ideas to become combined, sometimes in contradiction. If these contradictions require randomness to come about, then reason is more imperiled than even Locke postulates, due to the randomness. Secondly, the process of learning is unintuitive because of this concession. Learning is the voluntary creation of associations, and associations require randomness to be formed. Ergo, there is a role of chance in learning. This is not to say that voluntary actions cannot be a part of learning, but chance is a necessary factor. The creation of Associations of Ideas, in all contexts, requires chance as a factor.
College and Major available
History, Philosophy
Location
Session A: West Campus West Building W223I
Start Day/Time
4-29-2022 10:45 AM
End Day/Time
4-29-2022 11:45 AM
Prize Categories
Best Multidisciplinary Research or Collaboration, Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Creative, Best Writing
The Associative Chance
Session A: West Campus West Building W223I
In Locke’s Essay, he introduces the Associations of Ideas, as the linking of ideas so that, if one is brought to mind so is the other. Locke’s definition describes these associations as either emerging voluntarily or involuntarily (by chance). I argue, however, that all associations are in part involuntary. This diminishes the role of voluntary actions in Locke’s description, though they still can lead to the opportunities that allow for associations to be created. Nevertheless, this adjustment to Locke’s framework implies a weakness of reason in a few ways. Firstly, Locke intended for associations to be what allowed for unlike ideas to become combined, sometimes in contradiction. If these contradictions require randomness to come about, then reason is more imperiled than even Locke postulates, due to the randomness. Secondly, the process of learning is unintuitive because of this concession. Learning is the voluntary creation of associations, and associations require randomness to be formed. Ergo, there is a role of chance in learning. This is not to say that voluntary actions cannot be a part of learning, but chance is a necessary factor. The creation of Associations of Ideas, in all contexts, requires chance as a factor.
Students' Information
Jakob Gati. Philosophy and History Major. Graduation date: Spring, 2022.