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Full Idea
In Zalta's view abstract objects are correlated with collections of properties. ..They encode, as well as exemplify, properties; indeed, an abstract object (such as a Euclidean triangle) is constituted by the properties it encodes.
Gist of Idea
Abstract objects are constituted by encoded collections of properties
Source
report of Edward N. Zalta (Abstract Objects:intro to Axiomatic Metaphysics [1983]) by Chris Swoyer - Properties 6.3
Book Ref
'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.41
A Reaction
If we are going to explain abstract objects with properties, then properties had better not be abstract objects. Zalta has a promising idea if we start from a nominalist and naturalistic view of properties (built from physical powers). 'Encode'?
10414 | Abstract objects are constituted by encoded collections of properties [Zalta, by Swoyer] |
10415 | Properties make round squares and round triangles distinct, unlike exemplification [Zalta, by Swoyer] |
10558 | Abstract objects are actually constituted by the properties by which we conceive them [Zalta] |
10557 | Abstract objects are captured by second-order modal logic, plus 'encoding' formulas [Zalta] |