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Single Idea 18852

[filed under theme 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 4. Impossible objects ]

Full Idea

Meinongian abstraction principles say that for any (suitably restricted) class of properties, there exists an abstract entity (arbitrary object, subsistent entity) that possesses just those properties.

Clarification

'abstraction principles' are for set formation

Gist of Idea

A Meinongian principle might say that there is an object for any modest class of properties

Source

Gideon Rosen (The Limits of Contingency [2006], 04)

Book Ref

'Identity and Modality', ed/tr. MacBride,Fraser [OUP 2006], p.20


A Reaction

This is 'Meinongian' because there will be an object which is circular and square. The nub of the idea presumably resides in what is meant by 'restricted'. An object possessing every conceivable property is, I guess, a step too far.


The 11 ideas from 'The Limits of Contingency'

Metaphysical necessity is absolute and universal; metaphysical possibility is very tolerant [Rosen]
'Metaphysical' modality is the one that makes the necessity or contingency of laws of nature interesting [Rosen]
Something may be necessary because of logic, but is that therefore a special sort of necessity? [Rosen]
Pairing (with Extensionality) guarantees an infinity of sets, just from a single element [Rosen]
A Meinongian principle might say that there is an object for any modest class of properties [Rosen]
A proposition is 'correctly' conceivable if an ominiscient being could conceive it [Rosen]
The MRL view says laws are the theorems of the simplest and strongest account of the world [Rosen]
Combinatorial theories of possibility assume the principles of combination don't change across worlds [Rosen]
Sets, universals and aggregates may be metaphysically necessary in one sense, but not another [Rosen]
Standard Metaphysical Necessity: P holds wherever the actual form of the world holds [Rosen]
Non-Standard Metaphysical Necessity: when ¬P is incompatible with the nature of things [Rosen]