Universals (Central Problems of Philosophy) [Paperback]

J. P. Moreland (Author)

Book Description

Series: Central Problems of Philosophy | Publication Date: April 2001

Universals begins with a taxonomy of extreme nominalist, moderate nominalist, and realist positions on properties, outlining the way each handles the phenomena of predication, resemblance, and abstract reference. The debate about properties and philosophical naturalism is also examined. Different forms of extreme nominalism and minimalist realism are critiqued. Later chapters defend a traditional realist view of universals and examine the objections to realism from various infinite regresses, the difficulties in stating identity conditions for properties, and problems with realist accounts of knowledge of abstract objects. The debate between Platonists and Aristotelians is examined in the context of the relationship between properties and an adequate theory of existence. The book's final chapter explores the problem of individuating particulars. Universals makes a difficult topic accessible while maintaining the sophistication of argument required by a more advanced readership, providing an authoritative treatment of the subject for both students and scholars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A comprehensive treatment of the problem of universals from both an historical and present-day perspective, surveying all of the leading approaches and portraying their strengths and weaknesses in an even-handed way. Exposition and arguments are clear and succinct. A worthy contribution to the literature in its topic." E.J. Lowe, Department of Philosophy, University of Durham

About the Author

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773522697
• ISBN-13: 978-0773522695
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With degrees in philosophy, theology, and chemistry, I have taught theology and philosophy at several schools throughout the U.S. I have authored or co-authored several dozen books including Kingdom Triangle, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview; Christianity and the Nature of Science; Scaling the Secular City; Does God Exist?; Immortality: The Other Side of Death; and The Life and Death Debate: Moral Issues of Our Times. I am a co-editor of Christian Perspectives on Being Human and Jesus Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents the Historical Jesus. My academic work appears in journals and periodicals such as Christianity Today, Philosophia Christi, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, and The American Philosophical Quarterly. I served with Campus Crusade for 10 years, planted two churches, and I have spoken on over 200 college campuses. Presently, my wife and I attend the Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realist Defense of Universals, November 3, 2001

By 

Ryan Bradley (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Universals (Central Problems of Philosophy) (Paperback)

This is an excellent critique of nominalist and extreme nominalist views regarding universals, and a strong defense of the realist position. This should be required reading for everyone studying metaphysics. While arguing persuasively for his position, Moreland fairly and comprehensively explains every major position in this dispute (which is foundational to the rest of philosophy). It is perhaps too advanced for all but the most dedicated undergraduates, but it is accessible to graduate level students with little previous training in philosophy. Numerous charts illustrate key distinctions and make the book particularly helpful for reviewing the competing positions.

Dr. Moreland is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Biola University, where he teaches in the MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics program.

This book is part of Mc-Gill-Queen's University Press' Central Problems of Philosophy series.