comScore
Science Sunday, February 17th 2013 at 4:00 pm

Can We Ever Really Know if Red is Red? [Video]

By ( ) Comments

It’s kind of a classic stoner question. Are the colors I see the same as the colors you see? Is there any way of knowing? Strawberries look red like the one on the left, but how do you know the one on the right isn’t what I’m seeing as red? The question has puzzled first semester philosophy students for times immemorial. Thankfully, Vsauce is on the case to answer the question once and for all, or at least to explain why the question is such a difficult one.

The video is a little long, coming in at just under ten minutes, but it’s worth it to finally get a handle on this color thing. As they always do, Vsauce breaks a pretty complex abstract concept down in a way that make it at least a little easier to understand. Check out the video, then blow a stoner’s mind next time they ask if your red is their red.

(via YouTube)

Relevant to your interests

Filed Under | • • • •
  • Kim

    So thats why my boyfriend always picks up blue skinnies claiming theyre purple

  • http://twitter.com/H_Crun Writer Dave

    I have to explain this every time I try to explain my colorblindness. Now I can just refer a link, and save my breath.

  • Anonymous

    This is my favorite thing today: “Classic stoner question” as well as theory of mind and — importantly — the concept of that we are all alone in our own minds. New word: Qualia, meaning things we perceive (like pain, color) that we can’t measure and are impossible to “show” someone who hasn’t experienced them.

    BTW, although you describes this video as exploring a “classic stoner question,” these are questions that have been on my mind since 4th or 5th grade. If I were to pick an area of philosophy or neuroscience to noodle around in at length, this would probably be it, because it fascinates me so much. I’ve always wanted to know how people are experiencing their reality.