Define Tabula rasa.

Tabula rasa, a Latin term meaning "blank slate," is a philosophical concept that signifies the idea that individuals are born with minds devoid of innate ideas, knowledge, or pre-existing content. The notion of tabula rasa emphasizes the belief that the human mind is like a clean slate at birth, ready to be filled with experiences, perceptions, and knowledge gained through sensory impressions and interactions with the external world.

This concept has been particularly influential in empiricist philosophy, most notably associated with thinkers like John Locke. Locke argued that the mind begins as a blank slate, and all ideas and knowledge are derived from sensory experiences. According to this view, individuals do not possess inherent knowledge or predetermined principles; instead, their understanding of the world is shaped by their encounters with the environment.

Tabula rasa has had a lasting impact on discussions about human nature, education, and the development of knowledge. It underscores the role of experience and environmental influences in shaping an individual's thoughts, beliefs, and intellectual development, challenging notions of innate ideas or pre-existing knowledge inherent in the mind from birth.