A light theory of color

Traditional theories locate color in primary qualities of objects, in dispositional properties of objects, in visual fields, or nowhere. In contrast, we argue that color is located in properties of light. More specifically, light is red iff there is a property P of the light that typically interacts with normal human perceivers to give the sensation of red. This is an error theory, because objects and visual fields that appear red are not really red, since they lack the properties that make light red. We show how this light theory solves or avoids problems that afflict its competitors. © 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Duke Scholars

Author Walter Sinnott-Armstrong Philosophy