Single Idea 15483

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 13. Tropes / a. Nature of tropes]

Full Idea

The redness or sphericity of this tomato cannot migrate to another tomato. This is a consequence of the idea that properties are particular ways things are. The identity of a property is bound up with the identity of its possessor.

Gist of Idea

Properties are ways particular things are, and so they are tied to the identity of their possessor

Source

C.B. Martin (The Mind in Nature [2008], 04.6)

Book Reference

Martin,C.B.: 'The Mind in Nature' [OUP 2008], p.44


A Reaction

This is part of his declaration that he believes in tropes. At the very least, properties can be thought of separately, and have second-order properties that don't seem tied to the particulars.

Related Idea

Idea 8276 Properties or qualities are essentially adjectival, not objectual [Lowe]