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Full Idea
Abstract entities (such as sets) are usually understood as lacking causes, effects, and spatio-temporal location.
Gist of Idea
Abstractions lack causes, effects and spatio-temporal locations
Source
DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §10)
Book Ref
'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.23
A Reaction
This seems to beg some questions. Has the ideal of 'honour' never caused anything? Young men dream of pure velocity.
| 4039 | Abstractions lack causes, effects and spatio-temporal locations [Mellor/Oliver] |
| 4237 | Concrete and abstract objects are distinct because the former have causal powers and relations [Lowe] |
| 4238 | The centre of mass of the solar system is a non-causal abstract object, despite having a location [Lowe] |
| 8912 | Nowadays abstractions are defined as non-spatial, causally inert things [Rosen] |
| 8913 | Chess may be abstract, but it has existed in specific space and time [Rosen] |
| 8914 | Sets are said to be abstract and non-spatial, but a set of books can be on a shelf [Rosen] |
| 8955 | Abstractions are imperceptible, non-causal, and non-spatiotemporal (the third explaining the others) [Szabó] |