more from Alex Oliver

Single Idea 10724

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

Full Idea

So-called aristotelian universals have some queer features: one universal can be wholly present at different places at the same time, and two universals can occupy the same place at the same time.

Clarification

'Aristotelian' universals have actual locations

Gist of Idea

Located universals are wholly present in many places, and two can be in the same place

Source

Alex Oliver (The Metaphysics of Properties [1996], §11)

Book Reference

-: 'Mind' [-], p.25


A Reaction

If you want to make a metaphysical doctrine look ridiculous, stating it in very simple language will often do the job. Belief in fairies is more plausible than the first of these two claims.