Single Idea 10520

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

Full Idea

In familiar, though doubtless not wholly problematic jargon, token-letters and token-words are concrete objects, type-letters and type-words abstract.

Gist of Idea

Token-letters and token-words are concrete objects, type-letters and type-words abstract

Source

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

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.56


A Reaction

This is indeed problematic. The marks may be tokens, but the preliminary to identifying the type is to see that the marks are in fact words. To grasp the concrete, grasp the abstraction. An excellent example of the blurring of the distinction.