Filosofía Fundamental, Tomo III

A philosophical treatise written in the mid-19th century. The text delves into the nature of ideas and the relationship between sensations and intellectual processes, critically examining the contributions of various philosophers such as Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, and Condillac. The work advocates for an understanding of human knowledge that extends beyond mere sensory experience, positing the existence of innate faculties that contribute to the formation of ideas. The opening of this philosophical work introduces the subject matter by transitioning from a discussion of sensations to a consideration of ideas themselves. Balmes reflects on the views of historical philosophers regarding knowledge, engaging particularly with Condillac's emphasis on the sensory origins of ideas. He presents a critique of the notion that all mental phenomena are merely transformed sensations, proposing instead that the intellect possesses innate faculties that operate independently of sense experience. This opening lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the interplay between sensory experiences and intellectual activities, setting the stage for a detailed philosophical analysis.