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Single Idea 4454

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 3. Instantiated Universals ]

Full Idea

Another version of realism says is One-In-Many, where the universal is not another particular, but is literally in the instances. The universal is an abstract entity, in the instances by means of a primitive non-spatiotemporal tie of predication.

Gist of Idea

The One-In-Many view says universals have abstract existence, but exist in particulars

Source

J.P. Moreland (Universals [2001], Ch.1)

Book Ref

Moreland,J.P.: 'Universals' [Acumen 2001], p.9


A Reaction

This sounds like Aristotle (and is Loux's view of properties and relations). If they are abstract, why must they be confined to particulars?


The 12 ideas with the same theme [universals only existing in actual things]:

Colour must be in an individual body, or it is not embodied [Aristotle]
No universals exist separately from particulars [Aristotle]
Past, present and future must be equally real if universals are instantiated [Armstrong]
Universals are abstractions from states of affairs [Armstrong]
Universals are abstractions from their particular instances [Armstrong, by Lewis]
Universals aren't parts of things, because that relationship is transitive, and universals need not be [Lewis]
Located universals are wholly present in many places, and two can be in the same place [Oliver]
Aristotle's instantiated universals cannot account for properties of abstract objects [Oliver]
If universals ground similarities, what about uniquely instantiated universals? [Oliver]
The One-In-Many view says universals have abstract existence, but exist in particulars [Moreland]
An immanent universal is wholly present in more than one place [Zimmerman,DW]
Why should a universal's existence depend on instantiation in an existing particular? [Bird]