Descartes' Nativism vs. Locke's Empiricism. Nativist thought, that which focuses on the idea that there are some "innate ideas existing prior to concrete experience (Fancher, 26), allows for the existence of archetypal knowledge and a communal unconscious. Empiricism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts that all knowledge is derived from experience. According to the empiricist, all ideas are derived from experience. Nativism, as espoused by Descartes, requires that the soul be embodied with knowledge and experience prior to association with the body. 3 pgs. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Pages: 3 Bibliography: 3 source(s) listed Filename: 8347 Descartes Locke Nativist.doc Price: 26.85