Single Idea 21961

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

Full Idea

For Lewis, we can see the purpose of physics as being to discover what universals there actually are.

Gist of Idea

Physics aims to discover which universals actually exist

Source

report of David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983]) by A.W. Moore - The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics Intro

Book Reference

Moore,A.W.: 'The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics' [CUP 2013], p.18


A Reaction

It seems that Lewis uses the word 'property' to mean predicates, which consist of a multitude of sets, while universals are the properties that naturally exist and cut nature at the joints . Infuriating, because the other way around seems better.