Single Idea 10523

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

Full Idea

The abstract/concrete distinction is, roughly, between those sortals whose grounding relations can hold between abstract things which are spatially but not temporally separated, those concrete things whose grounding relations cannot so hold.

Gist of Idea

Being abstract is based on a relation between things which are spatially separated

Source

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

Book Reference

Hale,Bob: 'Abstract Objects' [Blackwell 1987], p.59


A Reaction

Thus being a father is based on 'begat', which does not involve spatial separation, and so is concrete. The relation is one of equivalence.