Single Idea 10558

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

Full Idea

Where for ordinary objects one can discover the properties they exemplify, abstract objects are actually constituted or determined by the properties by which we conceive them. I use the technical term 'x encodes F' for this idea.

Gist of Idea

Abstract objects are actually constituted by the properties by which we conceive them

Source

Edward N. Zalta (Deriving Kripkean Claims with Abstract Objects [2006], 2 n2)

Book Reference

-: 'Nous' [-], p.2


A Reaction

One might say that whereas concrete objects can be dubbed (in the Kripke manner), abstract objects can only be referred to by descriptions. See 10557 for more technicalities about Zalta's idea.

Related Idea

Idea 10557 Abstract objects are captured by second-order modal logic, plus 'encoding' formulas [Zalta]