Single Idea 4464

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals]

Full Idea

Traditional realism is the view that a property is a universal construed as a multiply exemplifiable abstract entity that is a numerically identical constituent in each of its instances.

Gist of Idea

Realists see properties as universals, which are single abstract entities which are multiply exemplifiable

Source

J.P. Moreland (Universals [2001], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Moreland,J.P.: 'Universals' [Acumen 2001], p.74


A Reaction

Put like that, it seems hard to commit oneself fully to realism. How can two red buses contain one abstract object spread out between them. Common sense says there are two 'rednesses' which resemble one another, which is a version of nominalism.