Full Idea
Categorical properties were introduced originally by philosophers bent on distinguishing properties possessed 'categorically', that is, actually, by objects from mere if-then, conditional properties, mere potentialities.
Gist of Idea
Categorical properties were introduced by philosophers as actual properties, not if-then properties
Source
John Heil (The Universe as We Find It [2012], 04.3)
Book Reference
Heil,John: 'The Universe as We Find It' [OUP 2012], p.58
A Reaction
He cites Ryle on dispositions in support. It is questionable whether it is a clear or useful distinction. Heil says the new distinction foreclosed the older more active view of properties.