Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

qualia

Noun

/ˈkwä-lē-ə/

Definition

Qualia are the subjective, individual experiences of perception and sensation, often described as the ‘what it’s like’ aspect of experience.

Examples

The delicious taste of chocolate is an example of qualia related to flavor.
Seeing a vibrant sunset evokes unique qualia that differ from the experience of a cloudy day.
The sensation of pain has its own qualia that can vary significantly from person to person.

Meaning

The term refers to the intrinsic qualities of conscious experiences, such as the way colors look or the taste of food, that cannot be fully articulated in words.