Single Idea 3910

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / e. Primary/secondary critique]

Full Idea

If primary and secondary qualities are distinct, what do secondary qualities inhere in?

Clarification

Presumably a quality is OF something

Gist of Idea

If primary and secondary qualities are distinct, what has the secondary qualities?

Source

Roger Scruton (Modern Philosophy:introduction and survey [1994], Ch.10 n)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Modern Philosophy: introduction and survey' [Sinclair-Stevenson 1994], p.524


A Reaction

What is the problem? A pin causes me pain, but I know the pain isn't in the pin. It is the same with colour. It is a mental property, if you like, triggered by a wavelength of radiation.