The period of the Enlightenment was characterized by a revival of interest in determining the nature of reality and knowledge. In pursuit of this understanding, philosophers have expounded ideas in line with one of two theories: empiricism or rationalism. John Locke was one of the most important philosophers of the time to consider this topic. He largely subscribed to empiricist philosophy, which held that knowledge of reality derives only from experience in perceiving it, that is, knowledge is a representation of reality within the mind, which is shaped by the unique processing of sensory inputs from real objects by individuals. This is in contrast to rationalism, which holds that knowledge derives from logic, which is innate in human cognition. In his Theory of Perception, Locke argues that the perception of objects is determined by their properties, which he divides into two categories – primary and secondary qualities – and it is this distinction that allows Locke to explain perception in such a way as to provide an argument in favor of his empiricist philosophy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Locke's theory of perception, primary qualities are those intrinsic to the object. They are qualities that the object retains regardless of the conditions in which it is perceived, by whom it is perceived, or whether it is perceived or not. He lists these as solidity, extension (that the object takes up space), shape, and movement (or lack thereof). Locke uses the example of division to demonstrate the existence of intrinsic qualities. Citing wheat, he explains that if a grain of wheat is split, it will still maintain the same solidity, extension, shape and movement. Locke again uses division to illustrate secondary qualities and the difference between these and primary qualities. Almonds (or rather almond particles), he explains, maintain their solidity, extension, shape and movement when divided, and it is this ability to be preserved that qualifies these four primary qualities. On the other hand, their taste, smell and texture change when they are divided, and it is the fact that division changes them (or manipulation in general) that shows that they are secondary qualities. Locke also uses the example of fire to demonstrate that heat is a secondary quality. The heat of the fire changes the primary qualities of, for example, wax, changing its color and shape. Likewise, it induces pain on contact. However, Locke argues that this heat is not intrinsic to fire, but rather it is its unique interactions with wax and people that give it this definition of heat. It is the unique property of wax that causes it to melt in reaction to contact with fire, and it is the individual's perception of heat that translates into the idea of ​​pain. If fire came into contact with, for example, steel, it would not melt due to the quality of the steel, and if it came into contact with a person with calloused hands, he or she would not feel pain. Locke postulates that this variability of perception or interaction based on the qualities of the perceiver makes warmth a secondary quality. Therefore, he defines secondary qualities as those not present in objects, but rather properties that exist only in our perception. In other words, secondary qualities are not properties of objects, but rather the power of objects to influence other objects and our perception. The exact nature of these secondary qualities depends on and varies based on the unique perception of individuals. They change depending on the conditions in which they are perceived and by whom they are perceived. In fact, the very existence of these.