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Single Idea 8524

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

Full Idea

The metaphysics of abstract particulars gives a central place to space, or space-time, as the frame of the world. ...Tropes are, of their essence, regional, which carries with it the essential presence of shape and size in any trope occurrence.

Gist of Idea

Trope theory makes space central to reality, as tropes must have a shape and size

Source

Keith Campbell (The Metaphysic of Abstract Particulars [1981], §7)

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.136


A Reaction

Trope theory has a problem with Aristotle's example (Idea 557) of what happens when white is mixed with white. Do two tropes become one trope if you paint on a second coat of white? How can particulars merge? How can abstractions merge?

Related Idea

Idea 557 A Form is a cause of things only in the way that white mixed with white is a cause [Aristotle on Plato]