Abstract
In ‘Wittgenstein and Qualia’ Ned Block argues for the existence of inverted spectra and those ineffable things, qualia. The essence of his discussion is a would-be proof, presented through a series of pictures, of the possible existence of an inverted spectrum. His argument appeals to some remarks by Wittgenstein which, Block holds, commit the former to a certain ‘dangerous scenario’ wherein inverted spectra, and consequently qualia live and breath. I hold that a key premise of this proof is incoherent. Furthermore, Block’s dangerous scenario does not follow from Wittgenstein’s innocent one, as Block believes it does, but rather is in conflict with it.
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References
Block, N. (2007). Wittgenstein and Qualia. Philosophical Perspectives, 21(1), 73–115.
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Canfield, J.V. Ned Block, Wittgenstein, and the Inverted Spectrum. Philosophia 37, 691–712 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11406-009-9195-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11406-009-9195-3