Single Idea 10511

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals]

Full Idea

The traditional conception of universals, resting as it does upon the idea that some single type of entity is picked out by expressions of such radically different logical types as predicates and abstract nouns, is of doubtful coherence.

Gist of Idea

It is doubtful if one entity, a universal, can be picked out by both predicates and abstract nouns

Source

Bob Hale (Abstract Objects [1987], Ch.3 Intro)

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.46


A Reaction

A striking case of linguistic metaphysics in action. I don't believe in universals, but I don't find this persuasive, as our capacity to express the same proposition by means of extremely varied syntax is obvious. Is 'horse' an abstract noun?