Who is credited with the concept of tabula rasa?

The concept of tabula rasa, which translates to "blank slate," is attributed to John Locke, a 17th-century philosopher. Locke proposed that individuals are born without innate ideas and that all knowledge comes from experience and perception. This idea emphasizes the role of the environment and learning in shaping an individual’s understanding of the world. According to Locke, children acquire knowledge and develop their identities through interactions with their surroundings, rather than being born with pre-existing concepts or knowledge.

This foundational notion has influenced modern educational practices by highlighting the importance of experiences in child development. The concept supports the idea that educators can significantly impact a child's learning journey by providing rich, stimulating environments and experiences that encourage exploration and curiosity.