Single Idea 11927

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / A. Relations / 4. Formal Relations / a. Types of relation]

Full Idea

Reflexive relations are, and non-reflexive relations may be, monadic in the ontological sense although they are syntactically polyadic.

Gist of Idea

Reflexive relations are syntactically polyadic but ontologically monadic

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 1.4.5)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.42


A Reaction

I find this a very helpful distinction, as I have never quite understood reflexive relations as 'relations', even in the most obvious cases, such as self-love or self-slaughter.