more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 23227

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 1. Nature of Properties ]

Full Idea

Each object has a definite number of properties, no more, no less. …Each of these objects possesses each of these properties to a definite degree.

Gist of Idea

Each object has a precise number of properties, each to a precise degree

Source

Johann Fichte (The Vocation of Man [1800], 1)

Book Ref

Fichte,Johann G.: 'The Vocation of Man', ed/tr. Preuss,Peter [Hackett 1987], p.5


A Reaction

Quine flatly disagrees with this. Fichte offers no grounds for his claim. On the whole I think of properties as psychologically abstracted by us from holistic objects, so there is plenty of room for error. The underlying powers are real.

Related Idea

Idea 7925 There is no proper identity concept for properties, and it is hard to distinguish one from two [Quine]


The 24 ideas from 'The Vocation of Man'

Each object has a precise number of properties, each to a precise degree [Fichte]
The principle of activity and generation is found in a self-moving basic force [Fichte]
Sufficient reason makes the transition from the particular to the general [Fichte]
The capacity for freedom is above the laws of nature, with its own power of purpose and will [Fichte]
I want independent control of the fundamental cause of my decisions [Fichte]
Nature contains a fundamental force of thought [Fichte]
The will is awareness of one of our inner natural forces [Fichte]
I cannot change the nature which has been determined for me [Fichte]
The self is, apart from outward behaviour, a drive in your nature [Fichte]
If life lacks love it becomes destruction [Fichte]
Freedom means making yourself become true to your essential nature [Fichte]
Nature is wholly interconnected, and the tiniest change affects everything [Fichte]
I immediately know myself, and anything beyond that is an inference [Fichte]
Consciousness has two parts, passively receiving sensation, and actively causing productions [Fichte]
Consciousness of external things is always accompanied by an unnoticed consciousness of self [Fichte]
We can't know by sight or hearing without realising that we are doing so [Fichte]
I am myself, but not the external object; so I only sense myself, and not the object [Fichte]
The need to act produces consciousness, and practical reason is the root of all reason [Fichte]
Forming purposes is absolutely free, and produces something from nothing [Fichte]
Faith is not knowledge; it is a decision of the will [Fichte]
Knowledge can't be its own foundation; there has to be regress of higher and higher authorities [Fichte]
Self-consciousness is the basis of knowledge, and knowing something is knowing myself [Fichte]
There is nothing to say about anything which is outside my consciousness [Fichte]
Awareness of reality comes from the free activity of consciousness [Fichte]