Universal (metaphysics)
Universals (used as a noun) are either properties[?], relations[?], or types, but not classes. It is worth noting that all four items are generally considered abstract, nonphysical entities. They are at least so considered by Platonic realists; there are others who use the terminology of properties, relations, etc., but who do not wish to be realists. Part of the difficulty, indeed, of understanding this problem is understanding the complex and confusing relations between theory and language, and what the use of language does, or doesn't, imply.Universals are contrasted with individuals. 'Universal' used as an adjective is contrasted with particular and concrete.
Consider some examples of universals: there are types, like dog or "doghood"; properties, like red or redness; and relations, like betweenness or "being between"; those are all universals. Any particular dog, particular red thing, or particular object that is between other objects isn't a universal, but a particular, and instances of universals (or objects that somehow bear universals). Doghood, redness, and betweenness are common to many different things. So a universal is something that can have instances; but it doesn't make sense to talk about an instance of a particular.
Realists invite us to think of universals as the referents of general terms. In other words, they are what we refer to, when we use general words like "doghood," "redness," and "betweenness." By contrast, we refer to particulars by using proper names, like "Fido," or definite descriptions that pick out just one thing, like "that apple on the table."
There is an ancient problem in metaphysics concerning what universals are supposed to be, or (alternatively characterized) whether they exist; this is called the problem of universals.
Louis Branch. (Library Journal,
JOSEPHINE MARY MCPIKE.
The history.html">history.html">history of library.html">library.html">library work with children.html">children.html">children.html">children.html">children.html">children is yet to be written.
of money to purchase "such books as will best promote useful
organized work with children --of the training of children's
of extension-- the development has been gradual, yet with a
to establish children's work--a fact which in itself seems to
library periodicals contain many interesting accounts of these
included in this volume.
Certain personalities stand out very clearly in the history of
associated with children's work in its later developments. The
the initiative work for children within a public library should
small folk welcome a generation ago, when, in most public
frowned away by the librarian."
Three articles from Miss Caroline Hewins's pen have been chosen
the first. They not only give details of the history.
On
wordlookup.net
All is still licensed under the GNU FDL.
It uses material from the wikipedia.
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