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Single Idea 11916

[from 'Powers' by George Molnar, in 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 5. Natural Properties ]

Full Idea

A property like 'being physical' is just a second-order property. ...It is not required as a first-order property. ...Higher-order properties earn their keep as necessity-makers.

Gist of Idea

'Being physical' is a second-order property

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 1.4.2)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.31


A Reaction

I take this to be correct and very important. People who like 'abundant' properties don't make this distinction about orders (of levels of abstraction, I would say), so the whole hierarchy has an equal status in ontology, which is ridiculous.