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Single Idea 10307

[filed under theme 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / c. Modern abstracta ]

Full Idea

The notion of an 'object' first introduced by Frege is much broader than that of most comparable ordinary uses of 'object', and is now fairly standard and familiar.

Gist of Idea

The modern Fregean use of the term 'object' is much broader than the ordinary usage

Source

Bob Hale (Abstract Objects [1987], Ch.1)

Book Ref

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.3


A Reaction

This makes it very difficult to get to grips with the metaphysical issues involved, since the ontological claims disappear into a mist of semantic vagueness.


The 17 ideas with the same theme [examples amd principles of modern abstracta]:

Wholly uniform things like space and numbers are mere abstractions [Leibniz]
Frege says singular terms denote objects, numerals are singular terms, so numbers exist [Frege, by Hale]
Frege establishes abstract objects independently from concrete ones, by falling under a concept [Frege, by Dummett]
Logical objects are extensions of concepts, or ranges of values of functions [Frege]
There can be impossible and contradictory objects, if they can have properties [Meinong, by Friend]
Abstract objects must have names that fall within the range of some functional expression [Dummett]
It is absurd to deny the Equator, on the grounds that it lacks causal powers [Dummett]
'We've crossed the Equator' has truth-conditions, so accept the Equator - and it's an object [Dummett]
Abstract objects nowadays are those which are objective but not actual [Dummett]
We deal with abstract objects all the time: software, poems, mistakes, triangles.. [Boolos]
Properties make round squares and round triangles distinct, unlike exemplification [Zalta, by Swoyer]
Contextually defined abstract terms genuinely refer to objects [Wright,C, by Dummett]
The empty set is the purest abstract object [Jubien]
Objects just are what singular terms refer to [Hale/Wright]
Numbers, sets and propositions are abstract particulars; properties, qualities and relations are universals [Jacquette]
Bodies, properties, relations, events, numbers, sets and propositions are 'things' if they exist [Lowe]
The modern Fregean use of the term 'object' is much broader than the ordinary usage [Hale]