more from M.R. Ayers

Single Idea 17510

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / e. Individuation by kind]

Full Idea

If a speaker indicates something, then in order for others to catch his reference they must know, at some level of generality, what kind of thing is indicated. They must categorise it as event, object, or quality. Thinking about something needs that much.

Gist of Idea

Speakers need the very general category of a thing, if they are to think about it

Source

M.R. Ayers (Individuals without Sortals [1974], Intro)

Book Reference

-: 'Canadian Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.114


A Reaction

Ayers defends the view that such general categories are required, but not the much narrower sortal terms defended by Geach and Wiggins. I'm with Ayers all the way. 'What the hell is that?'