Single Idea 10138

[catalogued under 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 7. Abstracta by Equivalence]

Full Idea

We can see an object as being the abstract of a concept with respect to a relation on concepts. For example, we may say that 0 is the abstract of the empty concept with respect to the relation of one-one correspondence.

Gist of Idea

An object is the abstract of a concept with respect to a relation on concepts

Source

Kit Fine (The Limits of Abstraction [2002], I.2)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'The Limits of Abstraction' [OUP 2008], p.28


A Reaction

This is Fine's attempt to give a modified account of the Fregean approach to abstraction. He says that the reference to a relation will solve the problem of identity between abstractions.