Abstract

Abstract The paper focuses on the way of ideas, namely early modern theories of ideas. This expression, dating back to the 17th century, was popularized by John W. Yolton (1921–2005), who also suggested an alternative interpretation of this tradition, aiming to refute the standard interpretation of the way of ideas. Whilst according to the standard interpretation the perceiver cannot know the external world directly, in so far as ideas cover it like a veil, according to Yolton’s interpretation in the philosophy of ideas the word ‘idea’ referred to the cognitive contents of awareness; consequently, the theories of ideas are close to direct realism. This paper analyzes Yolton’s reading of the way of ideas and points out that almost all those who accept the usage of this historiographical category have not only discarded Yolton’s courageous interpretation but they also mean the way of ideas in a representationalist sense.