Locke Argues That in the Search for Truth We Must

question 9

Multiple Choice

Locke argues that in the search for truth we must beware the pitfalls of "enthusiasm" (passion or emotion) and always follow the lead of reason. Reason, he says, is a God-given faculty that demands we not entertain any proposition with greater assurance than is warranted by the evidence. We should not believe anything that reason does not support (although some mysteries such as immortality are beyond our understanding) . Even revelation (immediate communication of some sort from God) must be corroborated by reason; otherwise, we cannot be sure that a revelation is genuine. A prime disrupter of the workings of reason is enthusiasm, which arises "from the conceits of a warmed or over-weening brain." Through enthusiasm we can fall prey to wishful thinking, overwrought imagination (especially the religious kind) , and groundless feelings of certainty. "Reason," says Locke, "must be our last judge and guide in every thing."
-According to Locke, the sure sign that one loves the truth is

• A) earnest assertions that one loves the truth.
• B) a feeling of certainty that one has the truth.
• C) not believing any proposition without assurance from God.
• D) not believing any proposition more strongly than reason warrants.

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Definitions:

Unconscious Conflict

Psychological struggles within the unconscious mind, often stemming from repressed thoughts or feelings, that can influence behavior and emotions.

Id

In psychoanalytic theory, the part of the human personality that is driven by innate instinctual impulses and primary processes.

Superego

In psychoanalytic theory, the part of the personality that represents internalized ideals and provides standards for judgment and future aspirations.

Humanistic Psychologists

Psychologists who focus on the individual's potential for personal growth and the importance of self-perception in understanding behavior.