Single Idea 18852

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 4. Impossible objects]

Full Idea

Meinongian abstraction principles say that for any (suitably restricted) class of properties, there exists an abstract entity (arbitrary object, subsistent entity) that possesses just those properties.

Clarification

'abstraction principles' are for set formation

Gist of Idea

A Meinongian principle might say that there is an object for any modest class of properties

Source

Gideon Rosen (The Limits of Contingency [2006], 04)

Book Reference

'Identity and Modality', ed/tr. MacBride,Fraser [OUP 2006], p.20


A Reaction

This is 'Meinongian' because there will be an object which is circular and square. The nub of the idea presumably resides in what is meant by 'restricted'. An object possessing every conceivable property is, I guess, a step too far.