Ontology Questions Medium
The ontological problem of universals refers to the philosophical debate surrounding the nature and existence of universals. Universals are general or abstract qualities or properties that are common to multiple particular objects or individuals. For example, the universal concept of "redness" is shared by all red objects.
The ontological problem arises when considering whether universals exist independently of the particular objects that instantiate them or if they are merely mental constructs. There are two main positions in this debate: realism and nominalism.
Realism argues that universals have an objective existence, independent of our minds and the particular objects that possess them. According to realists, universals are abstract entities that exist in a separate realm or as part of the fabric of reality. They believe that universals provide the basis for similarities and commonalities among particular objects.
On the other hand, nominalism rejects the existence of universals as independent entities. Nominalists argue that universals are merely names or concepts that we use to group similar objects together. They claim that only particular objects exist, and any similarities or commonalities are subjective classifications imposed by our minds.
The ontological problem of universals raises questions about the nature of reality, the relationship between general and particular entities, and the role of language and concepts in our understanding of the world. It has been a central topic of debate in philosophy for centuries, with various arguments and counterarguments put forth by philosophers from different schools of thought.