Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tabula rasa

noun

/ˈtæb.jʊ.lə ˈrɑː.sə/

Definition

A theoretical concept referring to the idea of the mind as a blank slate, free of any prior knowledge or ideas.

Examples

The philosopher John Locke argued that humans are born as a tabula rasa, shaped by their experiences.
In education, teachers often consider the tabula rasa approach when introducing new concepts to students.
The idea of tabula rasa can also apply to the way individuals form their identities based on their social environments.

Meaning

The term ‘tabula rasa’ is often used in philosophy and psychology to discuss the nature of human development and the impact of experience on learning and understanding.