Explanation
The term addresses the “how-it-is” of an experience. It is a matter of debate whether qualia are independent, non-representational properties or whether they can be explained by other structures.
Example
How the red of a ripe cherry feels to a person.
Counterexample
The measurable wavelength of light is not, in itself, the subjective experience of color.
Distinction
Distinguish between mere stimulus properties and the structure of qualia in lexical semantics.
Effect on thought and perception
Marks the boundary between public description and the first-person perspective of the experience.
Resonance
A word can evoke an experience without making the inner aspect of that experience fully communicable.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Qualia“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-103-028. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-028The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.