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Single Idea 8570

[from 'New work for a theory of universals' by David Lewis, in 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 5. Class Nominalism ]

Full Idea

To have a property is to be a member of a class, usually a class of things. (Note: this resembles the doctrine of Class Nominalism, but I do not claim to solve the One Over Many problem by this means, far from it).

Gist of Idea

To have a property is to be a member of a class, usually a class of things

Source

David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983], 'Un and Prop')

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.189


A Reaction

Lewis remains neutral about the traditional question of whether universals exist. What does he mean by "is" in his assertion? Identity, predication or class membership? I think Lewis is open to many of the objections to Class Nominalism.