Subject
Knowledge, Theory of -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
John Locke
An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1 MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 1 and 2
"An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1" by John Locke is a philosophical work first published in 1689. It challenges the notion that humans are born with innate ideas, arguing instead that the mind begins as a blank slate shaped entirely by experience. Locke examines how we acquire knowledge through sensation and reflection, distinguishes between primary and secondary qualities of objects, and explores personal identity, language, and the nature of understanding itself—laying crucial groundwork for modern empiricism.
Plato
Theaetetus
"Theaetetus" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written in the early-middle 4th century BCE. Socrates engages the young mathematician Theaetetus in a probing investigation of knowledge itself. Together, they examine three different definitions of what knowledge might be—each seemingly plausible, yet each ultimately unsatisfactory. The dialogue concludes without resolution as Socrates departs to face trial for impiety, leaving the fundamental question unanswered in characteristic Platonic fashion.
Francis Bacon
The Advancement of Learning
"The Advancement of Learning" by Francis Bacon is a philosophical treatise published in 1605 that introduces and popularizes the scientific method of observation, skepticism, and testability. Addressed to King James I, Bacon argues that strict bondage to classical learning hinders progress and advocates for practical education through studying nature for society's benefit. He distinguishes between pure knowledge from nature and proud worldly knowledge, proposing new approaches to scholarship, diplomacy, medicine, and theology that prioritize practical benefit over academic excellence.
Immanuel Kant
Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics
"Kant's Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics" by Immanuel Kant is a philosophical work published in 1783. Written as a more accessible summary of his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant investigates whether metaphysics can exist as a legitimate science. He examines how pure mathematics and natural science achieve certainty through synthetic a priori knowledge, tracing the origins and limits of human reason. The work responds to critics while defending the critical importance of establishing metaphysics on firm foundations.
Plato
Charmides
"Charmides" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written in ancient Greece. Socrates returns from battle and encounters the handsome young Charmides at a wrestling school, initiating a provocative inquiry into the nature of sophrosyne—temperance or self-control. Through exchanges with Charmides and his mentor Critias, Socrates dismantles each proposed definition, from quietness to self-knowledge. The dialogue explores profound questions about virtue and wisdom while never reaching a final answer, leaving readers to grapple with these timeless philosophical challenges themselves.
John Locke
An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 2 MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 3 and 4
"An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 2" by John Locke is a philosophical work first published in 1689. This foundational text of empiricism argues that the mind begins as a blank slate, filled through experience rather than innate ideas. Locke examines how we acquire knowledge through sensation and reflection, distinguishes between primary and secondary qualities of objects, and explores personal identity, language, and the nature of understanding itself.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Academica
"Academica" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical work written in 45 BCE. This fragmentary text presents over 250 years of debates between Stoics and Academic Skeptics about the nature of knowledge and certainty. Written during personal turmoil following his daughter's death, Cicero uses dialogue format to champion Academic Skepticism against rival philosophical schools. The work survives in pieces from two editions, preserving ancient arguments about whether certain knowledge is possible and how we should approach truth.
Immanuel Kant
Kant prolegomenái minden leendő metafizikához
"Kant prolegomenái minden leendő metafizikához" by Immanuel Kant is a philosophical work published in 1783. Written as a more accessible companion to his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant summarizes his revolutionary conclusions about metaphysics and human knowledge. Disappointed by the poor reception of his earlier work, he emphasizes why his critical project matters for establishing metaphysics as a legitimate science. Through an analytical approach, Kant investigates whether metaphysics is even possible, exploring how pure mathematics and natural science arise from reason itself rather than experience alone.
Plato
Theaetetus
"Theaetetus" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written in the early-middle 4th century BCE. In this foundational work of epistemology, Socrates questions the young mathematician Theaetetus about the nature of knowledge itself. They examine three definitions—knowledge as perception, as true judgment, and as true judgment with an account—but each proves unsatisfactory. The dialogue ends without resolution as Socrates departs to face trial for impiety, leaving the essential question unanswered.
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