The Reality of Qualia
Perception and Cognition February 26, 2009 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780199228201.003.0014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that phenomenal qualia are real and present in perception, existing as perceiver-dependent content, as illustrated by the yellow quale experience. |
Abstract
Abstract I am a qualia realist. I believe that specifically phenomenal qualia are present in perception. Thus, when we see a yellow lemon in good light, we typically see that it is yellow by experiencing a yellow quale. We can experience (an instance of) the same yellow quale in the absence of the lemon, or of any yellow object. In my view, not only is the experience of the lemon’s quality real — something many will grant — but the experienced quale is real, in the sense that it exists as perceiver-dependent phenomenal content.