John Locke (65438+29 August 0632-1704 65438+28 October00) is a British philosopher and doctor, and is widely regarded as the most influential enlightenment thinker and the father of liberalism. He is regarded as one of the earliest empiricists in Britain. According to Sir Francis Bacon's tradition, he is equally important to the theory of social contract.

His work greatly influenced the development of epistemology and political philosophy. His works influenced Voltaire and Jean-jean-jacques rousseau, many Scottish enlightenment thinkers and American revolutionaries. His contribution to classical republicanism and liberalism is reflected in the American Declaration of Independence.

Locke's theory of mind is usually called the origin of modern identity and self-concept, especially in the later works of philosophers such as david hume, Rousseau and Emmanuel Kant. Locke was the first person to define himself through the continuity of consciousness. He speculated that at birth, the brain is a blank board or whiteboard. Now it's called empiricism.

An example of Locke's belief in empiricism can be seen from his famous saying: "No matter what I write, as long as I find it is not true, my hand will be thrown into the fire first." This reflects the scientific thought in his observation, that is, one thing must be tested repeatedly, and there is nothing to refute.

It is said that Locke challenged others' work, established introspection methods, or observed his own emotions and behaviors. ?