more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 5410

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 7. Seeing Resemblance]

Full Idea

If I see simultaneously two shades of green, I can see that they resemble each other, and I see that they resemble each other more than they resemble a shade of red; in this way I become acquainted with the universal 'resemblance'.

Gist of Idea

I learn the universal 'resemblance' by seeing two shades of green, and their contrast with red

Source

Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy [1912], Ch.10)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Problems of Philosophy' [OUP 1995], p.59


A Reaction

This is strikingly different from the account of Hume, who seemed to regard resemblance as a fairly mechanical, computer-like activity of the brain, whereas Russell (an empiricist) responds by inclining towards Platonism. Hume sounds better here.