simple appearance which the mind has in its view, or perceives in itself, when that idea is said to be in it: by determinate, when applied to a complex idea, I mean such an one as consists of a determinate number of certain simple or less complex ideas, joined in such a proportion and situation, as the mind has before its view, and sees in itself, when that idea is present in it, or should be present in it, when a man gives a name to it: I say, should be; because it is not every one, not perhaps any one, who is so careful of his language, as to use no word, till he views in his mind the precise determined idea, which he resolves to make it the sign of. The want of this is the cause of no small obscurity and confusion in men's thoughts and dis courses. I know there are not words enough in any language, to answer all the variety of ideas that enter into men's discourses and reasonings. But this hinders not, but that when any one uses any term, he may have in his mind a determined idea, which he makes it the sign of, and to which he should keep it steadily annexed, during that present discourse. Where he does not, or cannot do this, he in vain pretends to clear or distinct ideas it is plain his are not so; and therefore there can be expected nothing but obscurity and confusion, where such terms are made use of, which have not such a precise determination. Upon this ground I have thought determined ideas a way of speaking less liable to mistakes, than clear and distinct and where men have got such determined ideas of all that they reason, inquire, or argue about, they will find a great part of their doubts and disputes at an end. The greatest part of the questions and controversies that perplex mankind, depending on the doubtful and uncertain use of words, or (which is the same) indetermined ideas, which they are made to stand for; I have made choice of these terms to signify, 1. Some immediate object of the mind, which it perceives and has before it, distinct from the sound it uses as a sign of it. 2. That this idea, thus determined, i. e. which the mind has in itself, and knows, and sees there, be determined without any change to that name, and that name determined to that precise idea. If men had such determined ideas in their inquiries and discourses, they would both discern how far their own inquiries and discourses went, and avoid the greatest part of the disputes and wranglings they have with others. Besides this, the bookseller will think it necessary I should advertise the reader, that there is an addition of two chapters wholly new; the one of the association of ideas, the other of enthusiasm. These, with some other larger additions never before printed, he has engaged to print by themselves after the same manner, and for the same purpose, as was done when this essay had the second impression. In the sixth edition, there is very little added or altered; the greatest part of what is new, is contained in the 21st chapter of the second book, which any one, if he thinks it worth while, may, with a very little labour, transcribe into the margin of the former edition. 6. Knowing the extent of our CHAP. II. No innate principles in the mind, SECT. 1. The way shown how we 3. Universal consent proves nothing innate. 4. What is, is; and, it is im- to be, and not to be; no not known to children, 12. The coming to the use of reason, not the time 13. By this, they are not dis- 14. If coming to the use of posed and understood, to three; that sweetness 3. The argument of assenting No innate practical principles. 1. No moral principles so 3. Obj. Though men deny 4. Moral rules need a proof, 5. Instance in keeping com- 6. Virtue generally approved, 11-13. Whole nations reject se- 15-19. Lord Herbert's innate 20. Obj. Innate principles 1. Idea is the object of 2. All ideas come from sen- sation or reflection. 3. The objects of sensation one source of ideas. 5. All our ideas are of the one or the other of these. nished with these, accord- 9. The soul begins to have 10. The soul thinks not al- ways; for this wants 11. It is not always conscious of it. dreaming that they think. 15. Upon this hypothesis, the thoughts of a sleeping man soul must have ideas not 18. How knows any one that tion, or reflection, evi- dent, if we observe chil- |