Single Idea 9104

[catalogued under 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 2. Abstracta by Selection]

Full Idea

A universal is not the result of generation, but of abstraction, which is only a kind of mental picturing.

Gist of Idea

A universal is the result of abstraction, which is only a kind of mental picturing

Source

William of Ockham (Ordinatio [1320], DII Qviii prima redactio)

Book Reference

Ockham,William of: 'Ockham's Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Boehner,P [Hackett 1990], p.41


A Reaction

The phrase 'mental picturing' works very plausibly for the universal 'giraffe', but not so well for 'multiplication' or 'contradiction'. Though we might broaden 'picturing' to being a much less visual concept. Mapping seems basic.