innatism

Innatism is the view that the mind contains certain ideas, knowledge, or cognitive structures that are present from birth and not solely acquired through experience. Innate content may include basic logical principles, mathematical truths, or predispositions to acquire language or other cognitive skills. The term is used across epistemology, philosophy of mind, and cognitive science to describe a range of positions, from full-fledged innate ideas to innate constraints on learning.

Historical roots lie in ancient and modern rationalism. Plato suggested that learning is recollection of innate knowledge. In the early modern period, Descartes and Leibniz defended forms of innatism—innate ideas or principles that the mind contains prior to experience. Kant argued that the mind contributes a priori structures to experience, a claim often treated as a form of innate cognitive organization rather than specific ideas. In contemporary thought, innatism is aligned with Chomsky's hypothesis of universal grammar, which posits an innate language faculty guiding the acquisition of grammar across languages.

Debate and criticism: Empiricists argue that knowledge arises from experience and that apparent innateness can be explained by learning mechanisms or evolved dispositions rather than fixed ideas. Empirical development studies also challenge universality claims. Some theorists advocate a middle ground, describing innate constraints or predispositions rather than fully formed ideas. The term innatism is sometimes used interchangeably with nativism, though some philosophers distinguish innate content from innate capacities.

See also nativism, rationalism, empiricism, a priori, universal grammar.