Single Idea 10540

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

Full Idea

If abstractions were defined by whether they could affect human sense-organs, light-waves would be concrete but radio waves abstract.

Gist of Idea

We can't say that light is concrete but radio waves abstract

Source

Michael Dummett (Frege Philosophy of Language (2nd ed) [1973], Ch.14)

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Frege Philosophy of Language' [Duckworth 1981], p.480


A Reaction

This is a pretty good baseline example. No account should draw an abstract/concrete line through the electromagnetic spectrum.