John Locke is the most important figure in the history of English philosophy. In his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, his greatest intellectual achievement, he emphasized the importance of experience for knowledge and the critical role of the philosopher. Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Locke on Human Understanding introduces and assesses Locke's life and the background to the Essay on Human Understanding; the text and ideas of the Essay; and the continuing importance of Locke's work to philosophy.