Single Idea 11962

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 1. Nominalism / a. Nominalism]

Full Idea

A nominalist will only countenance first-order logic.

Gist of Idea

Nominalists only accept first-order logic

Source

George Molnar (Powers [1998], 12.2.2)

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.210


A Reaction

This is because nominalist will not acknowledge properties as entities to be quantified over. Plural quantification seems to be a strategy for extending first-order logic while retaining nominalist sympathies.