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Single Idea 6499

[from 'Perception' by Howard Robinson, in 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / d. Secondary qualities ]

Full Idea

Shape can be directly experienced by either touch or sight, which are subjectively different; but colour and sound can be directly experienced only through experiences which are subjectively like sight and hearing.

Gist of Idea

Shape can be experienced in different ways, but colour and sound only one way

Source

Howard Robinson (Perception [1994], III.1)

Book Reference

Robinson,Howard: 'Perception' [Routledge 2001], p.68


A Reaction

This seems to be a key argument in support of the distinction between primary and secondary qualities. It seems to me that the distinction may be challenged and questioned, but to deny it completely (as Berkeley and Hume do) is absurd.