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Single Idea 8514

[from 'The Metaphysic of Abstract Particulars' by Keith Campbell, in 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 13. Tropes / a. Nature of tropes ]

Full Idea

If there are a varied group of red objects, the only element that recurs is the colour. But it must be the colour as a particular (a 'trope') that is involved in the recurrence, for only particulars can be many in the way required for recurrence.

Gist of Idea

Red could only recur in a variety of objects if it was many, which makes them particulars

Source

Keith Campbell (The Metaphysic of Abstract Particulars [1981], §1)

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.127


A Reaction

This claim seems to depend on the presupposition that rednesses are countable things, but it is tricky trying to count the number of blue tropes in the sky.