Single Idea 7935

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 1. Nature of Properties]

Full Idea

Aristotle held that there could be no uninstantiated properties.

Gist of Idea

There cannot be uninstantiated properties

Source

report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], Bk 04) by Cynthia Macdonald - Varieties of Things

Book Reference

Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.89


A Reaction

This is obviously a right hook aimed at Plato. Clearly we can think about uninstantiated properties, but the literal truth of Aristotle's view I would take to be tautological. To exist is to be instantiated.