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Single Idea 15433

[from 'Against Structural Universals' by David Lewis, in 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 13. Tropes / a. Nature of tropes ]

Full Idea

Tropes are supposed to be particularized properties: nonspatiotemporal parts of their instances which cannot occur repeatedly, but can be exact duplicates.

Gist of Idea

Tropes are particular properties, which cannot recur, but can be exact duplicates

Source

David Lewis (Against Structural Universals [1986], 'Intro')

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'Papers in Metaphysics and Epistemology' [CUP 1999], p.79


A Reaction

Russell's objection is that 'duplication' appears to be a non-trope universal. The account seems wrong for very close resemblance, which is accepted by everyone as being the same (e.g. in colour, for football shirts).