Single Idea 10517

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 7. Abstract/Concrete / a. Abstract/concrete]

Full Idea

It might seem that colours would qualify both as concrete and as abstract objects. ...and geometrical points also seem to be borderline.

Gist of Idea

Colours and points seem to be both concrete and abstract

Source

Bob Hale (Abstract Objects [1987], Ch.3.II)

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.53


A Reaction

The theory of tropes exploits this uncertainty. Dummett (1973:ch.14) notes that we can point to colours, but also slip from an adjectival to a noun usage of colour-terms. He concludes that colours are concrete. I think I agree.