Single Idea 10512

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 7. Abstract/Concrete / a. Abstract/concrete]

Full Idea

The 'concrete/abstract' distinction has a strong intuitive feel, and can seem to be drawable by familiar contrasts, between what can/cannot be perceived, what can/cannot be involved in causal interactions, and is/is not located in space and time.

Gist of Idea

The abstract/concrete distinction is based on what is perceivable, causal and located

Source

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

Book Reference

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


A Reaction

Problems arise, needless to say. The idea of an abstraction can be causal, and abstractions seem to change. If universals are abstract, we seem to perceive some of them. They can hardly be non-spatial if they have a temporal beginning and end.