more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
It is not always possible for nominalists to translate all statements putatively about universals as statements about particulars. It is not possible for 'red is a colour' and 'red resembles pink more than blue'
Gist of Idea
Nominalists cannot translate 'red resembles pink more than blue' into particulars
Source
Frank Jackson (Statements about Universals [1977], p.89)
Book Ref
'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.89
A Reaction
His second example strikes me as the biggest challenge facing nominalism. I wish they wouldn't use secondary qualities as examples. I am unconvinced that the existence of universals will improve the explanation. It's a mystery.