Full Idea
The whole theory of particulars and universals is due to mistaking for a fundamental characteristic of reality what is merely a characteristic of language.
Gist of Idea
The distinction between particulars and universals is a mistake made because of language
Source
Frank P. Ramsey (Universals [1925], p.13)
Book Reference
Ramsey,Frank: 'Philosophical Papers', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. [CUP 1990], p.13
A Reaction
[Fraser MacBride has pursued this idea] It is rather difficult to deny the existence of particulars, in the sense of actual objects, so this appears to make Ramsey a straightforward nominalist, of some sort or other.