General Philosophy 6.2 Problems with Resemblance
Nov 30, 2010
Dive into the intriguing debate on primary versus secondary qualities, exploring how our perception shapes reality. Unravel Berkeley's and Locke's arguments about whether qualities exist solely in the mind or are inherent to objects. Discover the philosophical complexities of solidity, challenging Hume's circular reasoning and the reliance on secondary traits. This lively discussion sheds light on the intricacies of how we experience the world around us.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Primary vs Secondary Qualities Difference
- Primary qualities' ideas resemble patterns that objectively exist in bodies themselves.
- Secondary qualities' ideas do not resemble anything in objects and exist only as mental perceptions.
Lavender Smell Example
- Imagine smelling lavender essence in a lecture theatre which has no smell outside of perceivers.
- Smells and colors exist only as mental perceptions dependent on a mind.
Solidity Challenges Primary Qualities
- We naturally accept roundness and shape as real and resembling their mental ideas.
- Solidity is problematic as it appears as a power or disposition affecting how bodies exclude each other, not a simple quality.