John Locke - An Essay Concerning Human Understanding

Pros: Foundational introduction to modern philosophy based in experience and observation.

Cons: Long-winded, very repetitive with his examples and explanations.

The Bottom Line: Recommended for those interested in the foundations of modern epistemology. Important for Americans in formulating the basic human drive as the "pursuit of happiness."

Review: John Locke's 1698 "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is one of the foundational texts of Western philosophy. It is a phenomenal enquiry into how and why people become functional individuals. Bringing into philosophy a developmental model of personal...

Pros: The bible of English empiricism

Cons: Language is difficult, very tedious

Review: I will start off by saying that this book is not an easy read. Since Locke wrote in English, most editions retain Locke's original writing. But Locke is no Shakespeare! Furthermore, Locke is a boring writer. I just don't sense the excitement that I find...

Pros: Well Formated

Cons: He is wrong to provide a false sense of security

Review: John Locke devoted his whole life dedicated to helping other people become happy. He helped people better understand the means of happiness. In my review, however, I will have to neglect his religious interpretations because I am a nihilist. He says...