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Full Idea
The centre of mass of the solar system seems to lack causal powers, and so is an abstract object, even though it has a location and movement.
Gist of Idea
The centre of mass of the solar system is a non-causal abstract object, despite having a location
Source
E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.368)
Book Ref
Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.368
A Reaction
Nice example, with rich ramifications. Abstraction is deeply tied into our understanding of the physical world, and our concept of identity.
| 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] |