Innate knowledge refers to the idea that certain concepts or understandings are present in individuals from birth, rather than acquired through experience. This concept suggests that humans may have built-in knowledge or instincts that guide their behavior and understanding of the world. Philosophers like René Descartes have argued that some ideas, such as the concept of God or basic mathematical truths, are inherent to the human mind. In contrast to learned knowledge, which is gained through education and experience, innate knowledge is thought to be universal and not influenced by culture or environment. This notion raises questions about the nature of learning and the development of intelligence, as seen in discussions surrounding nature versus nurture.