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	Nominalists cannot translate 'red resembles pink more than blue' into particulars

			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'
			From: Frank Jackson (Statements about Universals [1977], p.89)
			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.

8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 2. Resemblance Nominalism

8500	Colour resemblance isn't just resemblance between things; 'colour' must be mentioned

			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.
			From: Frank Jackson (Statements about Universals [1977], p.90)
			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.