Republic of the Philippines

BURAUEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Burauen, Leyte

THEORY ON PHILOSOPHY

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in the Understanding The Self

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Submitted by:
Group 1
Abas, Kem A.
Avila, Sheila Mae
Bingco, Morielle
Cabalquinto, Jeaven Joy
Destrajo, Cyriel
Llorada, Mary Grace T.
Narca, Aaron N.
Negro, Merry Joy C.
Patrona, Jasmine C.
Quimbo, Andrea R.
Villacorte, Noel Jr.

Submitted to:
Mr. Niñoval Pacaol
 JOHN LOCKE’S TABULA RASA

Part I.

The word Tabula Rasa means ''blank slate,'' and it is a concept that
philosophers have debated for many years. Tabula Rasa is a supposed condition
that empiricists have attributed to the human mind before ideas have been imprinted
on it by the reaction of the senses to the external world of objects. Each individual
was free to define the content of his or her character, but his or her basic identity as
a member of the human species cannot be so altered (Tabula Rasa - New World
Encyclopedia, n.d.).

We chose this theory because it is associated with epistemology, one of the

branches of philosophy that deals with human knowledge. Upon reading his theory,
we found some insufficiencies or limitations. Such as an excessive focus on sensory
experiences with the emphasis that they are the only source of knowledge, the other
aspects have been neglected, and according to Descartes, our senses can mislead
us. This only means that we cannot always trust our senses because they may
deceive us. Then the Explanatory Gap of Inborn Traits since tabula rasa focuses on
that we were born as a blank slate and we acquire only our knowledge through
experiences and interaction. Studies show that newborns are already familiar with
language, tastes in food, and feelings. The theory didn't emphasize the differences
among individuals, it neglected the possibility that people's knowledge might have
been inherited. According to Fodor, skills and abilities are present in the brain from
birth, and many of them would be impossible without genetic contribution before
environmental experience. The theory didn't point out that our traits may not always
be acquired from external interactions. Since this theory focuses on the idea that
knowledge is only acquired through experience and interaction.

Another insufficiency of the theory is the inequality of opportunities. If men

only have the opportunity to have an education and they only have the rights to avail
themselves of the benefits of society, then the knowledge of women will be limited. If
a woman will not have an interaction with anyone, this means that her knowledge is
limited. The genetic aspect of the woman will be neglected. Since this theory only
emphasizes that everyone starts as a blank space.

Even though this theory already influences people. There will always be
insufficiencies and limitations to each theory. It is important to address the flaws of
the theory. For us, these are the only insufficiencies and limitations that we see in
the Tabula Rasa Theory by John Locke.
 NATURAL GRASP THEORY
Part II.

Natural it refers to something that is inherent. Grasp refers to the act of taking
hold of something securely.

This theory focuses on the fact that There is certain knowledge about humans
that is inherited and this is to challenge John Locke’s Theory about Tabula Rasa that
a human was born as blank space and the knowledge is obtained through
experiences.

This theory contends that our minds are not completely empty or already set at
birth, instead, they include a unique blend of neural patterns and potentialities.
These patterns, like bright bits in a kaleidoscope, create a unique mental context for
each person.

The Natural Grasp Theory highlights the idea of Inherited Traits, The Existence of
the Knowledge, The Priority Knowledge, Individuals Differentiation. This Theory has
no exemption.

Phenomenology of Inherited Traits. Investigating that a human was not born

with no knowledge, the knowledge of an individual from the time we were born is
inherited. The knowledge that we obtain through experiences and interactions is just
to improve our knowledge.

Existence of Knowledge. It talks about how the knowledge of an individual

exists from birth to adulthood.

Priority Knowledge. This investigates the priority knowledge of a human. These

emphasize that the prior knowledge of humans is inherited instead of acquired from
experiences.

Individuals Differentiation. This is to highlight the uniqueness of an individuals.

The environment in which humans grow varies from one to another. This affect the
knowledge acquisition.

Widely Applicable This theory also focuses on the different aspects of the
human source of knowledge by emphasizing that our knowledge is not always from
our sensory experiences.
 To make our theory more detailed. We make phases on how the knowledge of and
individual is acquired.

Naturalis Manus Phases

 These Phases highlight how the knowledge of an individual evolves
throughout his/her life.

Exploring Phase
5-15 Years old. This is the
second phase where an
individual has knowledge to
explore to gain more
knowledge.
Bounded Phase
Improving Phase
0-5 Years old. This is the time
when a baby was born. The 15-30 Years old. The
knowledge that the baby has is knowledge that has been
limited.
inherited will face a new phase
NATURAL GRASP PHASES
to improve.

Ending Phase Developed Phase

60-up. The human is getting
older. Then the knowledge that is 30-59 Years old. Since it passed
being inherited from humans will through three phases. The
slowly be removed. individual’s knowledge will be
developed.

Figure 1. Natural Grasp Phases

Part III.
Practical Applications and Implications to our Degree/Program
Inborn Knowledge on Accounting

 The theory emphasizes that we have our own specific innate knowledge.
In accounting, we may have this innate understanding that we may apply,
and if we already have a background to the lesson, this will help us to
quickly understand.

Effective Problem-Solving

 Accounting has various problem-solving skills. This theory will help us to

be more efficient in problem-solving since we may find that this is a natural
challenge for us.

Financial Reporting

 We can practice honesty, fairness, and transparency. We may find that

this is naturally guided by our inborn traits or inherited understanding.

Practical Applications and Implications to our Personal/Group

Personal Growth

 We can apply this theory to our personal development. By reflecting on the

path, aspirations, and decisions we will take, we will reflect on our innate
knowledge to have a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Improving Collaboration and Communication

 Since the Naturalis Grasp Theory highlights the differences between

individuals, this will help us appreciate that we will have unique
perspectives that may arise. Accepting all ideas allows us to collaborate,
and because we communicate with one another, we improve our
communication.

Improving Leadership

 The theory also highlights the phases of how knowledge evolves. By the
time we are of the right age, we will have the right knowledge with which
our leadership develops, and by appreciating individuals, we can improve
leadership.
 References:

Tabula rasa - New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.).

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Tabula_rasa#:~:text=In%20John
%20Locke’s%20philosophy%2C%20tabula,is%20central%20to%20Lockean
%20empiricism.

K. (n.d.). Human Cognition: Are We Really Blank Slates? Pressbooks.

https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/evpsych/chapter/human-cognition-are-we-really-
blank-slates/#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20concept%20of,thoughts%20or
%20opinions%20already%20developed.

B. (2020, September 26). What Babies Learn Before They’re Born - BabySparks.
BabySparks. https://babysparks.com/2019/02/11/what-babies-learn-before-
theyre-born/#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20when%20babies,to
%20recognize%20her%20native%20language.

Patterson, S. (2016). Descartes on the Errors of the Senses. Royal Institute of

Philosophy Supplement, 78, 73-108. doi:10.1017/S135824611600031X