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 discourses. 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 lo 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 Jcas 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, i. 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 idca, thus determined, i. e. which the mind bas in itself, and knows, and sees there, be determined without any change to that Dame, 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 ube disputes and wranglings they bave 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, afier 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. THE OF INNATE NOTIONS. 4. Useful to know the extent of our comprehension. to our state and concerns, to us. idiots, &c. when they come to the use of reason, answered. them, that would not 9--11. It is false that reason 15, 16. The steps by which the ples. come by any knowledge, sufficient to prove it not ingate. 2. General assent, the great argument. VOL. 1. is not bitterness; and a be inrate. proposed, proves them not innate. proposing, signifits, that else signifiez nothing. ing on is first hearing, of no precedent teacher. 25. These maxims not the first known clearest. CHAP. III. ples. 1. No moral principles so clear and so generally re- 3. Obj. Though men deny them in their practice, their thoughts, answered. ergo, not innate. pacts. ed, not because ianate, but because profitable. any ingate moral rule. morse. tical principles. veral moral rules, nate practical principles, tell us not what they are. principles examined. may be corrupted, an- swered. 22-26. How men commonly come by their principles Other considerations about innate principles, both spe- 1. Principles not innate, un. less their ideas be innate, belonging to principles, not born with children. 4, 5. Identity an idea not in- 7. Idea of worship not innate. 8-11. Idea of God, not ionate- ness, that all men should swered, in different men, 18. Idea of substance not in. nate. 2. All ideas come from sen- sation or reflection. one source of ideas. minds, the other source of them. one or the other of these. nished with these, accord- jects they converse with. because they need at- tention. 10. The soul thinks not al. ways; for this wants proofs, of it. remembering it, in vain urged thoughts ofa sleeping man ought to be most rational. soul must have ideas not is no appearance. it not, nobody else can know it the soul always thinks? retain it the next mo. ment, very improbable. lion, or reflection, evi. |