Single Idea 5869

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 1. Nominalism / b. Nominalism about universals]

Full Idea

The thesis that there is a Form either of good or indeed of anything else is verbal and vacuous.

Gist of Idea

The thesis of the Form of the Good (or of anything else) is verbal and vacuous

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1217b20)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.9


A Reaction

This is clear evidence for suggesting that Aristotle is a nominalist. Elsewhere his essentialism suggests otherwise, but clearly on grumpy days he thought that universals were mere verbal conventions.