Single Idea 4036

[catalogued under 2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 6. Ockham's Razor]

Full Idea

Armstrong argues that what matters is not how few entities we postulate (quantitative economy), but how few kinds of entities (qualitative economy).

Gist of Idea

What matters is not how many entities we postulate, but how many kinds of entities

Source

report of David M. Armstrong (Properties [1992]) by DH Mellor / A Oliver - Introduction to 'Properties' §9

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.22


A Reaction

Is this what Ockham meant? Armstrong is claiming that the notion of a 'property' is needed to identify kinds. See also Idea 7038.

Related Idea

Idea 7038 A theory with few fundamental principles might still posit a lot of entities [Heil]