Single Idea 14926

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / A. Relations / 1. Nature of Relations]

Full Idea

The best sense that can be made of a relation without relata is the idea of a universal. Thus the relation 'larger than' has formal properties that are independent of the contingencies of their instantiation.

Gist of Idea

Relations without relata must be treated as universals, with their own formal properties

Source

J Ladyman / D Ross (Every Thing Must Go [2007], 3.4)

Book Reference

Ladyman,J/Ross,D: 'Every Thing Must Go' [OUP 2007], p.152


A Reaction

Russell was keen on the idea that relations are universals, and presumably for this reason. I struggle to grasp uninstantiated but nevertheless real 'greater than' relations. They are abstractions from things, not separate universals.