Troubles with class nominalism

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31977/grirfi.v13i1.679

Keywords:

Class Nominalism; Natural Classes; Lewis

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the Class Nominalism as a solution to the problem of universals. At first, I attempt a clarification of the problem of universals. Secondly, I provide the definition of Class Nominalism. Later, I discuss the theses of Lewis and Quinton and I analyze how they try to get rid of some classic critiques. I argue that they are not successful and, therefore, their theory has serious problems. Finally, I discuss two critical topics to Class Nominalism: the problem of relations and the problem of ontological economy. I think the class nominalism does not provide an adequate analysis of relations. Finally, I argue that this theory is not economic (from an ontological point of view). There are realistic and nominalists theories more economical than Class Nominalism.

Author Biography

  • Valdetonio Pereira de Alencar, Universidade Federal do Cariri (UFCA)

    Doutor em Filosofia pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro – Brasil. Professor da Universidade Federal do Cariri (UFCA), Ceará – Brasil.

References

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Published

2016-06-18

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Troubles with class nominalism. Griot : Revista de Filosofia, v. 13, n. 1, p. 373–390, 18 Jun.2016.