Single Idea 8276

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 2. Qualities in Perception / a. Qualities in perception]

Full Idea

I consider properties or qualities to be essentially adjectival rather than objectual in nature (and the same applies to relations, though they are adjectival to more than one object).

Gist of Idea

Properties or qualities are essentially adjectival, not objectual

Source

E.J. Lowe (The Possibility of Metaphysics [1998], 7.1)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'The Possibility of Metaphysics' [OUP 2001], p.157


A Reaction

Personally I am inclined to say that properties are either real causal powers (functions of objects?), such as being sharp, or else they are subjective ways of distinguishing things (e.g. colours). Or fictions. 'Adjectival' is too vague.