John Locke’s phrase of ‘Tabula Rasa’ means :

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Mind itself is a result of the process of evolution. The phrase ‘Tabula Rasa’, introduced by John Locke, means "blank slate". Locke theorized that at birth, the human mind is empty and knowledge is gained only through sensory experience. While the original philosophical context of ‘Tabula Rasa’ does not specifically reference evolution (as Darwin’s theory postdated Locke), in modern interpretations, it aligns with evolutionary developmental psychology, suggesting that the mind develops over time shaped by experience and environment. This perspective indirectly connects with the idea that mental development is a result of interaction with the environment — a process influenced by evolutionary factors.

This interpretation helps bridge Locke’s idea with modern views where the structure of the mind and behavior is considered the result of evolutionary processes, and yet, starts from a formative state, shaped by interaction and learning.

Information Booster

1. 'Tabula Rasa' means 'Blank Slate', implying the mind starts empty.
2. John Locke's Theory: Advocated empiricism — knowledge comes from experience.
3. Not Innate Ideas: Locke rejected the notion that ideas exist in the mind before birth.
4. Modern Evolutionary Views: See mental development as an adaptive, evolutionary process.
5. Education Relevance: Education is crucial in shaping personality and knowledge due to the blank slate.