Locke's Distinction Between Primary And Secondary Qualities
Essay Question
Explain Locke’s distinction between the so-called “primary qualities” and the “secondary qualities” (what is the definition of each one, and what is the important difference between them?). What argument does he offer in favor of this distinction? In addressing his argument, be sure to discuss his error theory. Why does Locke think that this is an important distinction? Do you find his argument for the mind-dependence of the secondary qualities successful? Why or why not?
In his essay Concerning Human Understanding, Locke discusses the different ways in which we think and perceive. I intend to point out two ways that we perceive the world around us through the theory of primary and secondary qualities. I will discuss their differences …show more content…
I like to think that primary qualities produce ideas in the mind and that the secondary qualities produce ideas and sensations. This helps me to distinguish between the two more easily. Locke argues that everything in the world is colorless, odorless, soundless, tasteless forms of matter. He furthermore makes the claim that these are secondary qualities, which do not exist in the world, but only in the mind. Independent of the mind however, primary qualities still exist and define physical objects. Sensations such as color are caused by the primary qualities and their arrangement of matter. In addressing his argument, be sure to discuss his error theory.
The physical scientists at this time thought that all physical bodies were made up of atoms that were constantly in motion. They determined that variations in physical bodies were due to different combinations of matter within them. His argument was based on the best science of the natural world available; however, if this science was discovered to be false, his claim would also be proven false.
Do you find his argument for the mind-dependence of the secondary qualities successful? Why or why
Explain Locke’s distinction between the so-called “primary qualities” and the “secondary qualities” (what is the definition of each one, and what is the important difference between them?). What argument does he offer in favor of this distinction? In addressing his argument, be sure to discuss his error theory. Why does Locke think that this is an important distinction? Do you find his argument for the mind-dependence of the secondary qualities successful? Why or why not?
In his essay Concerning Human Understanding, Locke discusses the different ways in which we think and perceive. I intend to point out two ways that we perceive the world around us through the theory of primary and secondary qualities. I will discuss their differences …show more content…
I like to think that primary qualities produce ideas in the mind and that the secondary qualities produce ideas and sensations. This helps me to distinguish between the two more easily. Locke argues that everything in the world is colorless, odorless, soundless, tasteless forms of matter. He furthermore makes the claim that these are secondary qualities, which do not exist in the world, but only in the mind. Independent of the mind however, primary qualities still exist and define physical objects. Sensations such as color are caused by the primary qualities and their arrangement of matter. In addressing his argument, be sure to discuss his error theory.
The physical scientists at this time thought that all physical bodies were made up of atoms that were constantly in motion. They determined that variations in physical bodies were due to different combinations of matter within them. His argument was based on the best science of the natural world available; however, if this science was discovered to be false, his claim would also be proven false.
Do you find his argument for the mind-dependence of the secondary qualities successful? Why or why