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tabula-rasa

noun

/ˌtabjʊlə ˈrɑːzə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tabula-rasa

The idea that individuals are born without any innate knowledge, skills or dispositions.
"The concept of tabula rasa is central to the debate on nature vs nurture."

Detailed meaning of tabula-rasa

"Tabula rasa" is a Latin phrase that translates to "blank slate." It is used to describe the idea that individuals are born without any innate knowledge, skills or dispositions, and that all of our experiences, knowledge, and values are acquired through learning and experience. The concept of tabula rasa has been central to the fields of psychology, philosophy, and education.

In psychology, the concept of tabula rasa has been used to describe the idea that human behavior is shaped by experience and environment, rather than by innate or inherited characteristics. The theory holds that the mind of a newborn is a blank slate, and that all knowledge and personality traits are acquired through experience and learning.

In philosophy, the concept of tabula rasa has been used to describe the idea that individuals are free to shape their own lives and personalities, free from the constraints of inherited characteristics or predetermined fate. It is closely related to the idea of free will, and it has been used to argue for the importance of individual responsibility and self-determination.

In education, the concept of tabula rasa has been used to describe the idea that students should be taught based on their individual needs and abilities, rather than on preconceived notions of what they should know or be able to do. It is closely related to the idea of individualized instruction, and it has been used to argue for the importance of student-centered learning.

The concept of tabula rasa is still debated among scholars, some argue that humans have innate tendencies or predispositions, while others argue that the mind at birth is a blank slate ready to be written on.

Example sentences containing tabula-rasa

1. The philosopher's theory of tabula rasa suggests that individuals are born with a blank slate.
2. The scientist's research on tabula rasa aimed to understand how experience shapes the brain.
3. The artist's work explores the concept of tabula rasa in the human mind.
4. The teacher's approach to education is based on the principle of tabula rasa, allowing students to discover knowledge for themselves.
5. The novel's protagonist is a tabula rasa, a blank slate on which the story unfolds.
6. The psychologist's theory of tabula rasa suggests that individuals have the ability to form their own beliefs and behaviors.

History and etymology of tabula-rasa

The noun 'tabula rasa' has its etymology rooted in Latin. 'Tabula' means 'tablet' or 'board,' and 'rasa' is the feminine singular form of the past participle of the verb 'radere,' which means 'to scrape' or 'to erase.' When combined, 'tabula rasa' translates to 'erased tablet' or 'blank slate.' This Latin phrase has been adopted into English to express the philosophical concept that individuals are born without any innate knowledge, skills, or dispositions, much like a blank slate waiting to be written upon by experiences and education. The etymology of 'tabula rasa' underscores its role as a term that vividly conveys the idea of the mind being initially devoid of pre-existing content, open to the influences and impressions that shape a person's development and understanding of the world.

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Further usage examples of tabula-rasa

1. The software's user interface is designed to be a tabula rasa, allowing users to customize it to their needs.
2. The company's new strategy is to start with a tabula rasa, wiping the slate clean and starting fresh.
3. The politician's campaign promises to be a tabula rasa, offering a new vision for the future.
4. The architect's design for the building is based on the principle of tabula rasa, creating a blank canvas for the future inhabitants.
5. The philosopher's theory of tabula rasa suggests that individuals have the ability to shape their own destiny.
6. The concept of tabula-rasa suggests that our minds are blank slates at birth.
7. Educational theories often explore the idea of tabula-rasa in early childhood.
8. Philosophers have debated the existence of a true tabula-rasa state.
9. The nurture versus nature debate hinges on the idea of tabula-rasa.
10. In psychology, researchers study the development of tabula-rasa minds.
11. Tabula-rasa theory suggests that experiences shape our personalities.
12. The concept of tabula-rasa has implications for learning and development.
13. John Locke's writings on tabula-rasa greatly influenced modern philosophy.
14. Tabula-rasa is a foundational concept in cognitive psychology.
15. The blank slate theory, or tabula-rasa, continues to spark intellectual debate.
16. Some argue that certain instincts contradict the notion of tabula-rasa.
17. Cognitive development theories often examine the tabula-rasa concept.
18. The idea of tabula-rasa has far-reaching implications in education.
19. Tabula-rasa suggests that potential is shaped by environmental factors.
20. Tabula-rasa theory challenges the idea of innate talents or traits.
21. The concept of tabula-rasa emphasizes the role of upbringing and environment.
22. Early experiences play a significant role in shaping a tabula-rasa mind.
23. Philosophers and psychologists continue to explore the idea of tabula-rasa.
24. Tabula-rasa thinking underscores the importance of early childhood experiences.
25. The tabula-rasa hypothesis has evolved with advancements in psychology.