IMAGES OF MIND IN JOHN LOCKE’S THOUGHT Introduction  John Locke's ideas about cognition underwent significant transformations throughout his work, reflecting shifts in his beliefs about innate knowledge and sensory experience.  Locke's exploration of cognition was driven by his concerns about social stability and disagreements arising from religious and moral principles during his youth in the English Civil War.  This lecture delves into Locke's evolving theories of cognition and his use of metaphors to communicate his ideas. Locke's Evolution of Cognition Theories  Locke's cognitive theories transformed from nativism (innate knowledge) to sense empiricism (knowledge from sense perception) and ultimately to the primacy of sense experience in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690).  His changing views were influenced by societal upheavals and epistemological inquiries, leading to a reorganization of his belief system encompassing cognition, morality, and politics.  Locke's ultimate stance is that all knowledge is attainable through natural faculties without reliance on innate impressions. Role of Metaphors in Locke's Work  Locke used metaphors as powerful tools to communicate his ideas, drawing from his knowledge of commerce, technology, and science.  Some prominent metaphors in Locke's work include: material object, closed space, acquisition, possession, tool or instrument, and wax tablet.  Metaphors were not just communicative devices; they played a role in constructing and reconstructing his thought.  Metaphors were chosen based on their ability to illuminate different aspects of complex issues, helping Locke navigate his inquiries into human cognition. Unity and Persuasiveness in Locke's Essay  Locke's consistent use of complementary metaphors for knowledge lent unity and persuasiveness to his Essay.  These metaphors, such as likening knowledge to material objects, contributed to making knowledge objective and understandable.  Metaphors provided a framework for Locke's complex set of ideas and questions, helping him address fundamental questions about human cognition. Conclusion  Locke's journey from nativism to sense empiricism and finally to sense experience as the basis of knowledge reflects his evolving understanding of cognition.  Metaphors played a crucial role in Locke's work by facilitating communication, framing ideas, and contributing to the unity and persuasiveness of his theories.  Locke's use of metaphors highlights the intricate relationship between language, cognition, and the development of philosophical thought.