Condillac derived all knowledge from external experience, obtained through the senses. However, unlike Locke, he conceived of the human mind as an entirely passive, innate reservoir of sensations experienced and remembered, having no ideas or dispositions. The entire content and functions of the mind arise as a result of external stimuli. The progress of the mind depends on the use of conventional signs. Condillac considered as signs not only speech expressions, but also concepts, he pointed out the common nature of thought and speech. Our concepts are only signs, our impressions are only subjective states; they give little knowledge about things and our own self.
He conceived abstract knowledge nominalistically, sensory knowledge idealistically. He required science to be as strict and careful as possible. To make philosophy a science, he limited it to psychology only. Condillac's sensualism remained an exclusively psychological theory. He considered analysis the only correct method, and saw the search for syntheses as an obstacle to the progress of science.
He did not claim that science was the only source of truth, as his scientific results led him to believe, but in accordance with the Christian faith, he recognized the existence of God and the substantial soul.
Publisher: De Agostini.
Series: masterpieces of great thinkers.
Year of publication: 2002.
Format: 200 x 125 mm, 498 pages.
ISBN: 83-7316-044-2.
Book in very good condition.
Elegantsewn edition, bound in imitation leather, with gilt.
