Single Idea 14194

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 6. Categorical Properties]

Full Idea

A proper ontology should invoke only categorical, or occurrent, properties and relations. Categorical properties involve what objects are actually like, whereas hypothetical properties 'point beyond' their instances.

Gist of Idea

Proper ontology should only use categorical (actual) properties, not hypothetical ones

Source

Theodore Sider (Four Dimensionalism [2001], 2.3)

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Four Dimensionalism' [OUP 2003], p.41


A Reaction

This spectacularly leaves out powers and dispositions, which are actual properties which 'point beyond' their instances! This is the nub of the powers debate, and the most interesting topic in modern metaphysics.