lockean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “lockean” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophical ideas of John Locke (1632–1704), especially his empiricism, theory of knowledge, and political liberalism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophical ideas of John Locke (1632–1704), especially his empiricism, theory of knowledge, and political liberalism.
Describing philosophical positions emphasizing that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience (empiricism), the concept of the mind as a "tabula rasa" (blank slate), or political theories centered on natural rights, social contract, and limited government.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both British and American academic/philosophical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of Enlightenment thought, foundational liberalism, and empiricist epistemology.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic writing, given Locke's nationality, but common in relevant American scholarship.
Grammar
How to Use “lockean” in a Sentence
Adjectival modifier + noun (e.g., Lockean contract)Predicative adjective (e.g., The theory is essentially Lockean.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lockean” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The essay offered a distinctly Lockean interpretation of property rights.
- Her thesis challenges the Lockean conception of personal identity.
American English
- The Founders were deeply influenced by Lockean political theory.
- This critique represents a departure from traditional Lockean empiricism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in high-level discussions of business ethics or corporate governance theory.
Academic
Primary domain. Used in philosophy, political science, history of ideas, and law.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific technical term within philosophy and political theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lockean”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lockean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lockean”
- Misspelling as 'Lockian' or 'Lockeian' (while 'Lockeian' is a rare variant, 'Lockean' is standard).
- Using it uncapitalized.
- Using it outside of a philosophical/historical context where it would be opaque.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, because it is derived from a proper name (John Locke). It should always be capitalized.
The theory that the human mind at birth is a 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) and that all knowledge is derived from experience.
Rarely. While one might refer to a person as 'a Lockean' (meaning a follower of Locke), it is primarily and most correctly used as an adjective.
Both relate to 17th-century English philosophers. 'Lockean' typically refers to Locke's more optimistic view of human nature, empiricism, and government by consent. 'Hobbesian' refers to Thomas Hobbes's view of life in a state of nature as 'nasty, brutish, and short' and the need for a powerful sovereign.
Relating to or characteristic of the philosophical ideas of John Locke (1632–1704), especially his empiricism, theory of knowledge, and political liberalism.
Lockean is usually formal, academic in register.
Lockean: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒk.i.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑː.ki.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lockean proviso (from his theory of property)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: John LOCKE's ideas are LOCKEan. The 'ean' suffix attaches to a philosopher's name to form the adjective (like 'Kantian' from Kant).
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS SENSORY INPUT (Lockean empiricism); THE MIND IS A BLANK SLATE (tabula rasa); GOVERNMENT IS A CONTRACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Lockean' MOST commonly used?