Single Idea 15436

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 2. Need for Universals]

Full Idea

Perhaps the main job of a theory of universals is to give an account of resemblance.

Gist of Idea

Universals are meant to give an account of resemblance

Source

David Lewis (Against Structural Universals [1986], 'Why believe')

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.82


A Reaction

This invites the quick reply, popular with some nominalists, of taking resemblance as primitive, and hence beyond explanation.