Single Idea 11863

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / F. Referring in Logic / 3. Property (λ-) Abstraction]

Full Idea

The Lambda Abstraction Operator: We can write (λx)[Man x], which may be read as 'the property that any x has just if x is a man'.

Gist of Idea

(λx)[Man x] means 'the property x has iff x is a man'.

Source

David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001], 4.2)

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance Renewed' [CUP 2001], p.113


A Reaction

This technical device seems to be a commonplace in modern metaphysical discussions. I'm assuming it can be used to discuss properties without venturing into second-order logic. Presumably we could call the property here 'humanity'.