Single Idea 9447

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / E. Nominalism / 2. Resemblance Nominalism]

Full Idea

If a cluster of ten powers exhausts property F, and property G differs in respect of just one power, this might explain why properties can resemble other properties and in different degrees.

Gist of Idea

If properties are clusters of powers, this can explain why properties resemble in degrees

Source

Stephen Mumford (Laws in Nature [2004], 10.6)

Book Reference

Mumford,Stephen: 'Laws in Nature' [Routledge 2006], p.173


A Reaction

I love this. The most intractable problem about properties and universals is that of abstract reference - pink resembles red more than pink resembles green. If colours are clusters of powers, red and pink share nine out of ten of them.