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For if we understood or said that colour is not in a…

“For if we understood or said that colour is not in a coloured body, or that it is separated from it, there would be error in this opinion or assertion. But if we consider colour and its properties, without reference to the apple which is coloured; or if we express in words what we thus understand…” quote by Fulton J. Sheen
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““For if we understood or said that colour is not in a coloured body, or that it is separated from it, there would be error in this opinion or assertion. But if we consider colour and its properties, without reference to the apple which is coloured; or if we express in words what we thus understand, there is no error in such an opinion or assertion, because an apple is not essential to colour, and therefore, colour can be understood independently of the apple.””

Fulton J. Sheen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Colour can be considered as an abstract property separate from any specific object, allowing it to be understood without reference to a particular example.

In simple terms: Colour can be thought of apart from the thing it colours.

Key Takeaway

Study properties abstractly, not just through concrete examples.

Themes

philosophy perception abstraction metaphysics epistemology

Mood

analytical inquisitive reflective

Type

theoretical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • scientific research
  • education
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

qualia essence objectivity conceptual analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does separating colour from objects affect our perception?
  • Can abstract concepts be fully grasped without concrete examples?
A Different Perspective

Understanding colour without objects may overlook contextual influences on perception.

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