more from John Heil

Single Idea 7044

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / d. Secondary qualities]

Full Idea

Secondary qualities are just ordinary properties - roughly, Locke's primary qualities - considered in the light of their effects on us.

Gist of Idea

Secondary qualities are just primary qualities considered in the light of their effect on us

Source

John Heil (From an Ontological Point of View [2003], 14.10)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'From an Ontological Point of View' [OUP 2005], p.163


A Reaction

Unconvincing. If they only acquire their ontological status as primary qualities if they have to be considered in relation to something (us), then that is not a primary quality.