Single Idea 8534

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 10. Properties as Predicates]

Full Idea

Quine's doctrine is that the predicate of a true statement carries no ontological implications.

Gist of Idea

Quine says the predicate of a true statement has no ontological implications

Source

report of Willard Quine (works [1961]) by David M. Armstrong - Properties §1

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.165


A Reaction

Quine is ontologically committed to the subject of the statement (an object). The predicate seems to be an inseparable part of that object. Quine is, of course, a holist, so ontological commitment isn't judged in single statements.