Universals

A New Look at an Old Problem

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics
Cover of the book Universals by Farhang Zabeeh, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Farhang Zabeeh ISBN: 9789401196024
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Farhang Zabeeh
ISBN: 9789401196024
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

The primary purpose of this book is to depict the main features of the classical problem of universals in order to provide a better understand­ ing of the various suggestions made by the moderns towards the solution of that problem. The work is not historical; however, since knowledge of the history of the problem is essential for understanding the import of the new approach, references are given to classical theories and interpretations are offered without any pretension that they are either exhaustive or final. I have tried to argue that the problem, though often appearing in metaphysical guise, is, in fact, part of the more general problem of semantics, i.e., the relation between words and the world. The medieval theory that universals are the meaning of general words is linked here with a recent theory that the meaning of a word is explainable in terms of its function and not in terms of its putative denotation. What comes of this fusion is this: that if the medieval theory that universals are the meaning of general words is in any way credible, then to know the meaning of such words requires close attention to their functions on the ground that words in general do not mirror the world, rather they are tools used to change it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The primary purpose of this book is to depict the main features of the classical problem of universals in order to provide a better understand­ ing of the various suggestions made by the moderns towards the solution of that problem. The work is not historical; however, since knowledge of the history of the problem is essential for understanding the import of the new approach, references are given to classical theories and interpretations are offered without any pretension that they are either exhaustive or final. I have tried to argue that the problem, though often appearing in metaphysical guise, is, in fact, part of the more general problem of semantics, i.e., the relation between words and the world. The medieval theory that universals are the meaning of general words is linked here with a recent theory that the meaning of a word is explainable in terms of its function and not in terms of its putative denotation. What comes of this fusion is this: that if the medieval theory that universals are the meaning of general words is in any way credible, then to know the meaning of such words requires close attention to their functions on the ground that words in general do not mirror the world, rather they are tools used to change it.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book The Codification of Medical Morality by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book The Ecology of Mycobacteria: Impact on Animal's and Human's Health by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Out of Africa I by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Nitrogen Cycling in the North Atlantic Ocean and its Watersheds by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Surgical Atlas of Cardiac Anatomy by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Quaternary of the Thames by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Iterative Design of Teaching-Learning Sequences by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Family and School Capital: Towards a Context Theory of Students' School Outcomes by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Jewish Christians and Christian Jews by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Recent Views on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Philosophy and Ideology by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book An Anthropological Journey into Well-Being by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Numerical Linear Algebra in Signals, Systems and Control by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book EPR of Free Radicals in Solids I by Farhang Zabeeh
Cover of the book Towards an Understanding of Language Learner Self-Concept by Farhang Zabeeh
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy