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Single Idea 10513
[filed under theme 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / a. Nature of abstracta
]
Full Idea
There are many plausible example of abstract objects which, though non-spatial, do not appear to satisfy the suggested requirement of atemporality, such as chess, or the English language.
Gist of Idea
Many abstract objects, such as chess, seem non-spatial, but are not atemporal
Source
Bob Hale (Abstract Objects [1987], Ch.3.1)
Book Ref
Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.49
A Reaction
Given the point that modern physics is committed to 'space-time', with no conceivable separation of them, this looks dubious. Though I think the physics could be challenged. Try Idea 7621, for example.
Related Idea
Idea 7621
Special relativity, unlike general relativity, was operationalist in spirit [Putnam on Einstein]
The
23 ideas
from 'Abstract Objects'
10308
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Questions about objects are questions about certain non-vacuous singular terms
[Hale]
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10310
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Objections to Frege: abstracta are unknowable, non-independent, unstatable, unindividuated
[Hale]
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10307
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The modern Fregean use of the term 'object' is much broader than the ordinary usage
[Hale]
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10312
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Often the same singular term does not ensure reliable inference
[Hale]
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10313
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Plenty of clear examples have singular terms with no ontological commitment
[Hale]
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10314
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An expression is a genuine singular term if it resists elimination by paraphrase
[Hale]
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10316
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We should decide whether singular terms are genuine by their usage
[Hale]
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10318
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Realists take universals to be the referrents of both adjectives and of nouns
[Hale]
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10315
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We can't believe in a 'whereabouts' because we ask 'what kind of object is it?'
[Hale]
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10321
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We sometimes apply identity without having a real criterion
[Hale]
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10322
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If singular terms can't be language-neutral, then we face a relativity about their objects
[Hale]
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10511
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It is doubtful if one entity, a universal, can be picked out by both predicates and abstract nouns
[Hale]
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10513
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Many abstract objects, such as chess, seem non-spatial, but are not atemporal
[Hale]
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10514
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If the mental is non-spatial but temporal, then it must be classified as abstract
[Hale]
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10512
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The abstract/concrete distinction is based on what is perceivable, causal and located
[Hale]
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10517
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Colours and points seem to be both concrete and abstract
[Hale]
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10518
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Shapes and directions are of something, but games and musical compositions are not
[Hale]
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10523
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Being abstract is based on a relation between things which are spatially separated
[Hale]
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10522
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The relations featured in criteria of identity are always equivalence relations
[Hale]
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10519
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The abstract/concrete distinction is in the relations in the identity-criteria of object-names
[Hale]
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10520
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Token-letters and token-words are concrete objects, type-letters and type-words abstract
[Hale]
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10524
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There is a hierarchy of abstraction, based on steps taken by equivalence relations
[Hale]
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10521
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If F can't have location, there is no problem of things having F in different locations
[Hale]
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