Single Idea 4205

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 3. Predicate Nominalism]

Full Idea

Not every meaningful predicate expresses an existing property; thus 'is non-self-exemplifying' cannot refer to a property, because the property would contradict the predicate.

Gist of Idea

'Is non-self-exemplifying' is a predicate which cannot denote a property (as it would be a contradiction)

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.100)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.100


A Reaction

Needs thought. The example is based on Russell's so-called Barber's Paradox. If it can't be a property, can it be a predicate?