Single Idea 10518

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / a. Nature of abstracta]

Full Idea

While a shape or a direction is necessarily of something, games, musical compositions or dance routines are not of anything at all.

Gist of Idea

Shapes and directions are of something, but games and musical compositions are not

Source

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

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.55


A Reaction

This seems important, because Frege's abstraction principle works nicely for abstractions 'of' some objects, but is not so clear for abstracta that are sui generis.