Single Idea 15244

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 4. Sense Data / d. Sense-data problems]

Full Idea

It seems clear that we are never presented with a quality except of some object.

Gist of Idea

We experience qualities as of objects, not on their own

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 3.II)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.55


A Reaction

I'm not convinced that that 'seems clear'. The idea of sense-data is that while it seems to be of an object, reason suggests that the experience of the quality must precede the object assembled thereby. How do you arbitrate?