Single Idea 18213

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 2. Abstract Objects / d. Problems with abstracta]

Full Idea

To be able to apply any postulated abstract entities to the physical world, we need impure abstact entities, e.g. functions that map physical objects into pure abstract objects.

Gist of Idea

Abstract objects are only applicable to the world if they are impure, and connect to the physical

Source

Hartry Field (Science without Numbers [1980], 1)

Book Reference

Field,Hartry: 'Science without Number' [Blackwell 1980], p.9


A Reaction

I am a fan of 'impure metaphysics', and this pinpoints my reason very nicely.