Short essay on Locke

Discuss the distinction of primary/secondary qualities of objects made by Locke. The first three paragraphs of the essay are as follows:

Locke’s distinction between the primary and secondary qualities of different objects is quite simple at first glance but on a deeper level the distinctions become problematic. The primary qualities of an object are those which can be universally agreed upon by all individuals observing the object. For example, if the object is moving or stationery, the shape of the object and the material state it is in i.e. liquid solid etc. The primary qualities therefore are indisputable facts and their truth can be easily ascertained by observation. The judgments on these qualities of the object cannot be subjective as a cubed object such as a dice cannot be subjectively said to be a line.

On the other hand, secondary qualities are inherent properties of an object which can be argued upon. For example, the color of an object could be noted as green or light green depending on the observer. The odor coming from a particular cheese can be pleasing to some while the same can be loathsome to others. The taste of a dish may be appreciated by one person while another would be unable to stomach it. Similarly, an object may be too hot to hold for one person while another could hold it comfortably. In essence, secondary qualities are subjective truths about an object and they do not provide measurable aspects for the object.

Locke believes the distinction to exist simply because the secondary qualities are given by humans interacting with objects. The primary qualities of any observable object would continue to exists even if observers were not present but the secondary qualities (being subjective) would come into being once observers were able to interact with an object and thus give it the secondary qualities. Simply put, primary qualities are innate while the secondary qualities are attributes given to the object by observers.

About the Solutions
The essay is based on readings of Locke from an assigned text and was created as a part of an answer for an online exam. No sources were required therefore none are given in the solution.

Other Details about the Project/Assignment
Subjects: Philosophy
Topic: Discuss the distinction of primary/secondary qualities of objects made by Locke
Level: College/University
Tags:

short essay, philosophy, primary, secondary, qualities of objects, Locke

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Project Details

Subjects: Philosophy
Topic: Discuss the distinction of primary/secondary qualities of objects made by Locke
Level: College/University
Tags:

short essay, philosophy, primary, secondary, qualities of objects, Locke

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Short essay on Locke

short essay, philosophy, primary, secondary, qualities of objects, Locke

short essay, philosophy, primary, secondary, qualities of objects, Locke