Single Idea 5312

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 5. Universals as Concepts]

Full Idea

From a single-minded effort to move objects a child's activity grows into a detached reflection on the movements themselves. The objects are first perceived as distinct entities, and then as members of groups to be classified.

Gist of Idea

A child first sees objects as distinct, and later as members of groups

Source

Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.66


A Reaction

This does not, of course, prove anything about the philosophical problems of universals, but it does seem to pinpoint the stage in human development when 'universals' are perceived. The basis seems to be groups or sets, but how do we spot those?