John Locke's natural philosophy (1632-1671)
The thesis concentrates upon John Locke's early development in the field of natural philosophy. This can be divided up into several distinct stages. Locke's first serious engagement with natural philosophy was in 1658 to 1664 when he embarked upon an extensive programme of medical reading. In this period he became acquainted with many notable figures, including Robert Boyle. Boyle introduced Locke to the mechanical philosophy and the work of Descartes. From 1664 to 1667 Locke became interested in formulating his own views on medical topics, writing short essays on disease and respiration, in addition to his continued study of medical texts. Through a very detailed analysis of these early medical writings it is shown that Locke was not committed to the mechanical philosophy at this point. In 1667, Locke moved to London and met Thomas Sydenham. This encounter had a huge impact on Locke's thinking. Locke collaborated with Sydenham and came to share his mentor's methodological precepts. There is manuscript evidence of this collaboration, which is carefully examined. As a consequence of their working together, Locke eschewed all theorising about aetiology and chose instead to rely upon clinical experience. Locke
Walmsley, Jonathan Craig
Philosophy
John Locke's natural philosophy (1632-1671). The thesis concentrates upon John Locke's early development in the field of natural philosophy. This can be divided up into several distinct stages. Locke's first serious engagement with natural philosophy was in 1658 to 1664 when he embarked upon an extensive programme of medical reading. In this period he became acquainted with many notable figures, including Robert Boyle. Boyle introduced Locke to the mechanical philosophy and the work of Descartes. From 1664 to 1667 Locke became interested in formulating his own views on medical topics, writing short essays on disease and respiration, in addition to his continued study of medical texts. Through a very detailed analysis of these early medical writings it is shown that Locke was not committed to the mechanical philosophy at this point. In 1667, Locke moved to London and met Thomas Sydenham. This encounter had a huge impact on Locke's thinking. Locke collaborated with Sydenham and came to share his mentor's methodological precepts. There is manuscript evidence of this collaboration, which is carefully examined. As a consequence of their working together, Locke eschewed all theorising about aetiology and chose instead to rely upon clinical experience. Locke
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