Single Idea 13573

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / D. Universals / 1. Universals]

Full Idea

The various kinds of universals are all natural kinds of one sort or another.

Gist of Idea

Universals are all types of natural kind

Source

Brian Ellis (Scientific Essentialism [2001], 1.01)

Book Reference

Ellis,Brian: 'Scientific Essentialism' [CUP 2007], p.19


A Reaction

This doesn't sound right. What about the universals of mathematics, or universals which are a matter of social or linguistic convention? I think Ellis is trying to hijack the word 'universal' in response to Armstrong's more idealistic account.