Single Idea 7703

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 11. Properties as Sets]

Full Idea

If classes alone cannot be eliminated from ontology on Quine's terms, and if classes are defined as property combinations, then neither are all properties, universals in the tradition sense, entirely eliminable.

Gist of Idea

If classes can't be eliminated, and they are property combinations, then properties (universals) can't be either

Source

Dale Jacquette (Ontology [2002], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Jacquette,Dale: 'Ontology' [Acumen 2002], p.230


A Reaction

If classes were totally conventional (and there was no such things as a 'natural' class) then you might admit something to a class without knowing its properties (as 'the thing in the box').