Particulars, modes and universals: an examination of E.J. Lowe's four-fold ontology

MacBride, F. (2004) Particulars, modes and universals: an examination of E.J. Lowe's four-fold ontology. Dialectica, 58(3), pp. 317-333. (doi: 10.1111/j.1746-8361.2004.tb00307.x)

Abstract

Is there a particular-universal distinction? Ramsey famously advocated scepticism about this distinction. In “Some Formal Ontological Relations” E.J. Lowe argues against Ramsey that a particular-universal distinction can be made out after all if only we allow ourselves the resources to distinguish between the elements of a four-fold ontology. But in defence of Ramsey I argue that the case remains to be made in favour of either (1) the four-fold ontology Lowe recommends or (2) the articulation of a particular-universal distinction within it. I also argue that the case remains to be made against (3) a spatio-temporal conception of the particular-universal distinction.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macbride, Professor Fraser
• Authors: MacBride, F.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Journal Name: Dialectica
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0012-2017
• ISSN (Online): 1746-8361