Philosophy A-Level
Secondary qualities
What Secondary qualities means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Secondary qualities
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Secondary qualities in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Powers a body has, by virtue of its primary qualities, to produce particular ideas in perceivers, such as colours, sounds, tastes and smells.
Topics that use Secondary qualities
- Perception as a source of knowledge (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Alleged inference
- Argument from hallucination
- Argument from illusion
- Best explanation reasoning
- Direct realism
- Disjunctivism
- Dreams versus waking experience
- Hallucination
Using Secondary qualities in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Philosophy questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Philosophy A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge