Question by pig: need a brief and concise answer (2-3 sentences) to this metaphysical claim by Locke?
In an essay concerning human understanding
“the power that is in any body, by reason of its insensible primary qualities, to operate after a peculiar manner on any of our senses, and thereby produce in us the different ideas of several colours, souns, smells, etc. These are usually called sensible qualities.
Best answer:
Answer by todd_tas
I believe that Locke is differentiating between insensible qualitites as they are innate, and do not require reasoning or logic. They are just recognition through senses. The thoguhts and ideas that result are called sensible qualities, as they require the cognitive output of the mind to interpret and respond to these senses. Note that Locke is using the word insensible in a conclusive adjective, not makig a value judgement. He’s not saying that this is a poor deficiency, but that the result of our senses is insular from sensibilities – they simply are.
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