tabula rasa

the idea that at birth the mind is like a “blank tablet” (from Latin) and that all knowledge is subsequently derived from sensory experience. The notion of innate ideas is thus dismissed as a fiction. The phrase is mainly associated with John Locke, although he never in fact used it: Locke’s actual phrase was “white paper.” See empiricism.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

tractotomy

n. the surgical interruption of a nerve tract in the brainstem or spinal cord. One form of tractotomy is of benefit in bipolar disorder that is resistant to other forms of treatment.