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Article
Is Locke’s Answer to Molyneux’s Question Inconsistent? Cross-modal Recognition and the Sight–recognition Error
Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies Faculty Publications
  • Anna Vaughn, Sacred Heart University
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Disciplines
Abstract

Molyneux’s question asks whether someone born blind, who could distinguish cubes from spheres using his tactile sensation, could recognize those objects if he received his sight. Locke says no: the newly sighted person would fail to point to the cube and call it a cube. Locke never provided a complete explanation for his negative response, and there are concerns of inconsistency with other important aspects of his theory of ideas. These charges of inconsistency rest upon an unrecognized and unfounded assumption that seeing entails recognition. Locke’s negative answer to Molyneux’s question is consistent with his other philosophical commitments.

DOI
10.1080/00455091.2018.1444899
Citation Information

Vaughn, A. (2019). Is Locke’s answer to Molyneux’s question inconsistent? Cross-modal recognition and the sight–recognition error. Canadian Journal of Philosophy, 49(5), 670-688. Doi: 10.1080/00455091.2018.1444899