Epistemology and the Bounds of Human Comprehension

Abstract

The paper examines the nature of knowledge and the boundaries of human comprehension in John Locke’s theory of knowledge. Within the study of epistemology, the nature of knowledge and the issue of justification hold key roles. Locke rejects the rationalist assumption that the human intellect possesses a unique access to reality. The paper argues that the limits of the concept of human comprehension has sparked debate ever since the release of the Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Locke strives to identify the boundaries of human comprehension and aims to pave the way for future advancements by presenting a theory of knowledge that aligns with the examination of human nature. The paper points out that the question of how we can understand the existence and characteristics of the external world is among the most ancient and challenging topics in philosophy. John Locke’s definition of knowledge through concepts renders an understanding of the real world unachievable. Recognizing concepts does not appear to be the type of activity that can provide us with understanding of an object. Examining an object section by section cannot yield comprehensive understanding, however, if the human mind does not directly perceive the physical object, how can we assert that physical objects exist? we can merely assert that ideas are present.

Keywords: John Locke, Knowledge, Comprehension, Basic Concepts, Ideas