Single Idea 10563

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 7. Abstract/Concrete / b. Levels of abstraction]

Full Idea

It is natural to have a generative conception of abstracts (like the iterative conception of sets). The abstracts are formed at stages, with the abstracts formed at any given stage being the abstracts of those concepts of objects formed at prior stages.

Gist of Idea

A generative conception of abstracts proposes stages, based on concepts of previous objects

Source

Kit Fine (Replies on 'Limits of Abstraction' [2005], 1)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.370


A Reaction

See 10567 for Fine's later modification. This may not guarantee 'levels', but it implies some sort of conceptual priority between abstract entities.

Related Idea

Idea 10567 We can create objects from conditions, rather than from concepts [Fine,K]