Final answer:
John Locke (option a) is the 17th-century English philosopher who believed that all human knowledge originates from experience, marking a foundational belief in empiricism and shaping Enlightenment philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 17th-century English philosopher who emphasized that all human knowledge derives from experience of the world or from reflection about it is John Locke. In his seminal work, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Locke posited that humans are born with minds like blank slates (tabula rasa) and accumulate knowledge solely through sensory experiences and subsequent reflection on those experiences. This view formed a core foundation for the philosophical school of empiricism, which stood in contrast to rationalism and innate ideas.
Locke's recognition that knowledge is a product of empirical evidence and not pre-existing in the mind at birth has deeply influenced modern educational theory, cognitive psychology, and the philosophy of mind. His ideas were further significant to Enlightenment thought and had substantial impact on the development of political philosophy, particularly regarding the social contract and individual liberties.