Single Idea 4237

[catalogued under 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 5. Abstracta by Negation]

Full Idea

Concrete objects possess causal powers and relations, but abstract objects are incapable of having causal powers or relations.

Gist of Idea

Concrete and abstract objects are distinct because the former have causal powers and relations

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.368)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.368


A Reaction

Is this an observation or a definition? One might claim that an abstraction (such as a political ideal) can acquire causal power through a conscious mnd.