Nominalist Realism*. (20th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Nicholas K.
• Is Part Of: Noûs. Volume 52:Number 4(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 808
• Page End: 835
• Publication Date: 2017-03-20
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1111/nous.12193
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-4624

Abstract

Abstract: This paper explores the impact of quantification into predicate position on the metaphysics of properties, arguing that two familiar debates about properties are fundamentally altered by recasting them in a second‐order setting. Two theories of properties are outlined, differing over whether the existence of properties is expressed using first‐order or second‐order quantifiers. It is argued that the second‐order theory: (a) provides good reason to regard debate about the locations of properties as contentless; (b) resolves debate about whether properties are particulars or universals in favour of universals.