more from David M. Armstrong

Single Idea 8536

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 3. Predicate Nominalism]

Full Idea

The properties that are of ontological interest are those constituents of objects, of particulars, which serve as the ground in the objects for the application of predicates.

Gist of Idea

We want to know what constituents of objects are grounds for the application of predicates

Source

David M. Armstrong (Properties [1992], §1)

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.166


A Reaction

Good. This is a reversal of the predicate nominalist approach, and is a much healthier attitude to the relationship between ontology and language. Value judgements will be an interesting case. Does this allow us to invent new predicates?