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Single Idea 17945

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 6. Platonic Forms / a. Platonic Forms ]

Full Idea

The theory of Forms is not a theory of universals but a first attempt to explain how predication, the application of a single term to many objects - now considered one of the most elementary operations of language - is possible.

Gist of Idea

Forms are not a theory of universals, but an attempt to explain how predication is possible

Source

Alexander Nehamas (Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity' [1999], p.xxvii)

Book Ref

Nehamas,Alexander: 'Virtues of Authenticity' [Princeton 1999], p.-10

The 3 ideas from 'Introduction to 'Virtues of Authenticity''

17944 'Episteme' is better translated as 'understanding' than as 'knowledge' [Nehamas]
17945 Forms are not a theory of universals, but an attempt to explain how predication is possible [Nehamas]
17946 Only Tallness really is tall, and other inferior tall things merely participate in the tallness [Nehamas]