more from Peter F. Strawson

Single Idea 9281

[catalogued under 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 3. Predicates]

Full Idea

The idea of a predicate is correlative with a range of distinguishable individuals of which the predicate can be significantly, though not necessarily truly, affirmed.

Gist of Idea

The idea of a predicate matches a range of things to which it can be applied

Source

Peter F. Strawson (Individuals:Essay in Descript Metaphysics [1959], 3.4 n1)

Book Reference

Strawson,Peter F.: 'Individuals: Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics' [Methuen University 1974], p.99


A Reaction

Said to be one of Strawson's most important ideas. The idea is that you understand a predicate if you understand its range, not just a one-off application. So you must understand the implied universal, whatever that is.