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Single Idea 15996

[from 'Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed)' by John Locke, in 17. Mind and Body / D. Property Dualism / 6. Mysterianism ]

Full Idea

We are so far from knowing what figure, size or motion of parts produce a yellow colour, sweet taste, or sharp sound, that we cannot conceive how any size, figure or motion can produce in us the colour, taste or sound. There is no conceivable connection.

Gist of Idea

We can't begin to conceive what would produce some particular experience within our minds

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 4.03.13)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.292


A Reaction

There is a good case for naming Locke as the first mysterian, and he puts his finger here on what I think is the weirdest puzzle of the mind - why THAT experience for THAT stimulus. In the 21st century we should not give up so easily.