Ideas from 'Introduction to 'Properties'' by DH Mellor / A Oliver [1997], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Properties' (ed/tr Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A) [OUP 1997,0-19-875176-1]].
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unexpand these ideas
2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 6. Ockham's Razor
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Ockham's Razor is the principle that we need reasons to believe in entities
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Full Idea:
Ockham's Razor is the principle that we need reasons to believe in entities.
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From:
DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §9)
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A reaction:
This presumably follows from an assumption that all beliefs need reasons, but is that the case? The Principle of Sufficient Reason precedes Ockham's Razor.
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8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties
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Properties are respects in which particular objects may be alike or differ
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Full Idea:
Properties are respects in which particular objects may be alike or differ.
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From:
DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §1)
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A reaction:
Note that this definition does not mention a causal role for properties.
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8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 12. Denial of Properties
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Nominalists ask why we should postulate properties at all
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Full Idea:
Nominalists ask why we should postulate properties at all.
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From:
DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §3)
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A reaction:
Objects might be grasped without language, but events cannot be understood, and explanations of events seem inconceivable without properties (implying that they are essentially causal).
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18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 5. Abstracta by Negation
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Abstractions lack causes, effects and spatio-temporal locations
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Full Idea:
Abstract entities (such as sets) are usually understood as lacking causes, effects, and spatio-temporal location.
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From:
DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §10)
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A reaction:
This seems to beg some questions. Has the ideal of 'honour' never caused anything? Young men dream of pure velocity.
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