What does the term "tabula rasa" mean in the context of Avicenna's philosophy?

In the context of Avicenna's philosophy, the term "tabula rasa," which translates to "blank slate," conveys the idea that individuals are born without any innate ideas or knowledge. This concept suggests that humans start life with a mind that is empty, and all knowledge and understanding come from experiences and perceptions rather than internal, pre-existing ideas. Avicenna, a prominent medieval philosopher and physician, influenced later discussions on human cognition and the nature of knowledge.

The notion of being a blank slate aligns with empiricist thoughts that emphasize the role of sensory experience as the foundation for knowledge acquisition. Therefore, the selection of the idea that we are born as a blank slate accurately reflects Avicenna's perspective on the nature of human understanding and the development of knowledge through interaction with the world.