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Single Idea 6498

[from 'A Materialist Theory of Mind (Rev)' by David M. Armstrong, in 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / d. Secondary qualities ]

Full Idea

According to D.M. Armstrong and others, when we perceive secondary qualities we are in fact perceiving primary qualities in a confused, indistinct or blurred way.

Gist of Idea

Armstrong suggests secondary qualities are blurred primary qualities

Source

report of David M. Armstrong (A Materialist Theory of Mind (Rev) [1968], 270-90) by Howard Robinson - Perception III.1

Book Reference

Robinson,Howard: 'Perception' [Routledge 2001], p.63


A Reaction

This is obviously an attempt to fit secondary qualities into a reductive physicalist account of the mind. Personally I favour Armstrong's project, but doubt whether this strategy is necessary. I just don't think there is anything 'primary' about redness.