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| 5410 | I learn the universal 'resemblance' by seeing two shades of green, and their contrast with red [Russell] |
| 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'. | |
| From: Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy [1912], Ch.10) | |
| 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. |