What is the first step in Locke's Theory of Ideas?

Locke's Theory of Ideas posits that our knowledge begins with sensory experiences. The first step involves the registration of a physical sensation by the senses, which leads to the formation of simple ideas. In this context, physical sensations are the raw data received from the external world through our sensory organs, such as sight, hearing, and touch. This initial input is fundamental as it forms the basis for all subsequent thought processes and idea formation.

Once these simple ideas are gathered through sensory experience, they can later combine to form complex ideas, which reflect a more intricate understanding of the world. The emphasis on sensory experience highlights Locke's rejection of innate ideas; instead, he argues that all knowledge arises from experience. This foundational view established a significant shift toward empiricism in philosophy and psychology, focusing on observation and experience as the core means of gaining knowledge. In this framework, the registration of physical sensations becomes the cornerstone of understanding human thought and perception.