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Single Idea 4428

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals]

Full Idea

In general, adjectives and nouns express properties of things, whereas prepositions and verbs express relations between things, so neglect of the latter led to the belief that every proposition attributes properties rather than relations.

Gist of Idea

Propositions express relations (prepositions and verbs) as well as properties (nouns and adjectives)

Source

Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy [1912], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Problems of Philosophy' [OUP 1995], p.54


A Reaction

A simple point on which Russell was very keen to insist, and which seems right. It invites the question whether there are further universals, beyond properties and relations.