Single Idea 7967

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / A. Relations / 4. Formal Relations / a. Types of relation]

Full Idea

The relation of being taller than is an external relation, since it relates two independent material substances, but the relation of instantiation or exemplification is internal, in that it relates a substance with a property.

Gist of Idea

Being taller is an external relation, but properties and substances have internal relations

Source

Cynthia Macdonald (Varieties of Things [2005], Ch.6)

Book Reference

Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.249


A Reaction

An interesting revival of internal relations. To be plausible it would need clear notions of 'property' and 'substance'. We are getting a long way from physics, and I sense Ockham stropping his Razor. How do you individuate a 'relation'?