The quote emphasizes that fundamental ideas or concepts are not simply derived from our everyday experiences but rather stem from an inherent aspect of human cognition. Our minds possess certain foundational elements and ways of thinking that exist independently of any specific experience we encounter.
When William Whewell speaks about the mind's constitution, he refers to the innate structures and processes that guide how we think and understand the world around us. These mental frameworks are not shaped by experiences alone; they predate them. However, once these fundamental ideas or ways of thinking exist, our minds continually integrate them with new experiences as we go through life. This ongoing combination of innate mind structures and external experiences enriches and refines how we perceive reality.
William Whewell was a prominent British philosopher, theologian, scientist, and historian who lived in the 19th century. He is well-known for his work on philosophy of science and ethics, among other areas. His ideas about fundamental concepts being rooted in an intrinsic human cognitive framework rather than solely derived from experience have had significant influence across various academic disciplines.
