Single Idea 7374

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / b. Primary/secondary]

Full Idea

The wavelengths of the light entering the eye are only indirectly related to the colours we see objects to be.

Gist of Idea

Light wavelengths entering the eye are only indirectly related to object colours

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Consciousness Explained [1991], 12.2)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Consciousness Explained' [Penguin 1993], p.375


A Reaction

This is obviously bad news for naïve realism, but I also take it as good support for the primary/secondary distinction. I just can't make sense of anyone claiming that colour exists anywhere else except in the brain.