Despite appearances, philosophers and scientists have often argued that the external world is colorless. Though objects may look red, green, blue, and so on, in reality, they are not. But few have thought this of shape. Most think that squareness, rectangularity, roundness and other geometric qualities are really out there in the world. Why the difference in treatment? 18th Century Scottish philosopher Thomas Reid thinks he has an explanation. If he’s right, the tendency to ‘kick color out of the world’ may be based on nothing more than an abuse of language.
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What is P4L?
Students, professors, and other philosophy enthusiasts close-read and discuss a few great passages of philosophy.
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No preparation or previous knowledge of philosophy is needed. Everyone is welcome!