Solid Philosophy Asserted, Against the Fancies of the Ideists

work by Sergeant

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July 17, 2026

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Solid Philosophy Asserted, Against the Fancies of the Ideists was written by John Sergeant in 1697. Sergeant, an English Roman Catholic priest, used this work to criticize the ideas of prominent thinkers of his time, particularly John Locke.1

Sergeant argued that true knowledge can be expanded by using metaphysical principles and reason, especially when empirical research reaches its limits. He contended that these general principles, or "maxims," are essential for extending knowledge, a view that contrasted with Locke's emphasis on empirical investigation. Sergeant's work was part of a broader philosophical landscape where skepticism and debates about the nature and limits of knowledge were prominent.12

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John Sergeant
Sergeant attacked Locke in his Solid Philosophy Asserted, Against the Fancies of the Ideists (1697). He held that knowledge can be extended and explained by resorting to metaphysical and general principles of reason (or “maxims”) when empirical investigations yield no new knowledge. He therefore criticized Locke, who denied the importance…
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Sergeant attacked Locke in his Solid Philosophy Asserted, Against the Fancies of the Ideists (1697). He held that knowledge can be extended and explained by resorting to metaphysical and general principles of reason (or “maxims”) when empirical investigations yield no new knowledge. He therefore criticized Locke, who denied the importance…
Read More