Ideas from 'Statements about Universals' by Frank Jackson [1977], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Properties' (ed/tr Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A) [OUP 1997,0-19-875176-1]].
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8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 4. Uninstantiated Universals
8499
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Nominalists cannot translate 'red resembles pink more than blue' into particulars
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Full Idea:
It is not always possible for nominalists to translate all statements putatively about universals as statements about particulars. It is not possible for 'red is a colour' and 'red resembles pink more than blue'
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From:
Frank Jackson (Statements about Universals [1977], p.89)
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A reaction:
His second example strikes me as the biggest challenge facing nominalism. I wish they wouldn't use secondary qualities as examples. I am unconvinced that the existence of universals will improve the explanation. It's a mystery.
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8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 2. Resemblance Nominalism
8500
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Colour resemblance isn't just resemblance between things; 'colour' must be mentioned
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Full Idea:
Some red things resemble some blue things more than some pink things because of factors other than colour. Nominalists must offer 'anything red colour-resembles anything pink', but that may contain a universal in disguise.
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From:
Frank Jackson (Statements about Universals [1977], p.90)
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A reaction:
Hume and Quine are probably right that we spot resemblances instantly, and only articulate the respect of the resemblance at a later stage.
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