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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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2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 6. Ockham's Razor
4037 Ockham's Razor is the principle that we need reasons to believe in entities
                        Full Idea: Ockham's Razor is the principle that we need reasons to believe in entities.
                        From: DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §9)
                        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.
8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties
4027 Properties are respects in which particular objects may be alike or differ
                        Full Idea: Properties are respects in which particular objects may be alike or differ.
                        From: DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §1)
                        A reaction: Note that this definition does not mention a causal role for properties.
8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 12. Denial of Properties
4029 Nominalists ask why we should postulate properties at all
                        Full Idea: Nominalists ask why we should postulate properties at all.
                        From: DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §3)
                        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).
18. Thought / E. Abstraction / 5. Abstracta by Negation
4039 Abstractions lack causes, effects and spatio-temporal locations
                        Full Idea: Abstract entities (such as sets) are usually understood as lacking causes, effects, and spatio-temporal location.
                        From: DH Mellor / A Oliver (Introduction to 'Properties' [1997], §10)
                        A reaction: This seems to beg some questions. Has the ideal of 'honour' never caused anything? Young men dream of pure velocity.