Single Idea 12478

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / a. Qualities in perception]

Full Idea

The power to produce any idea in our mind I call 'quality' of the subject wherein that power is.

Gist of Idea

A 'quality' is a power to produce an idea in our minds

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.08.08)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.135


A Reaction

This strikes me as much the most accurate way to think of properties, but then I accept Locke's distinction between primary and secondary properties. Red is a property of brains, not of tomatoes. Tomatoes have power to cause this property.

Related Idea

Idea 3757 Causal theory says true perceptions must be caused by the object perceived [Bernecker/Dretske]