Single Idea 6070

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 1. Nature of Existence]

Full Idea

Existence is like a primary quality; non-existence is like a secondary quality.

Gist of Idea

Existence is a primary quality, non-existence a secondary quality

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.2 n29)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.43


A Reaction

Since McGinn thinks existence really is a property, and hence, presumably, a predicate, I don't quite see why he uses the word "like". A nicely pithy and thought-provoking remark.