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Single Idea 4460

[from 'Universals' by J.P. Moreland, in 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 3. Abstraction by mind ]

Full Idea

If something is 'abstract' it is got before the mind by an act of abstraction, that is, by concentrating attention on some (but not all) of what is presented.

Gist of Idea

Abstractions are formed by the mind when it concentrates on some, but not all, the features of a thing

Source

J.P. Moreland (Universals [2001], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Moreland,J.P.: 'Universals' [Acumen 2001], p.53


A Reaction

Presumably it usually involves picking out the behavioural or causal features, and leaving out the physical features - though I suppose it works for physical properties too…