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Single Idea 4039

[filed under theme 18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 5. Abstracta by Negation ]

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.

The 4 ideas from 'Introduction to 'Properties''

4027 Properties are respects in which particular objects may be alike or differ [Mellor/Oliver]
4039 Abstractions lack causes, effects and spatio-temporal locations [Mellor/Oliver]
4029 Nominalists ask why we should postulate properties at all [Mellor/Oliver]
4037 Ockham's Razor is the principle that we need reasons to believe in entities [Mellor/Oliver]