PHIL 110 · Metaphysics — Universals and Particulars

Led by Plato

The fourth module of the Cambridge Part IA Metaphysics paper, led by Plato. Many things are beautiful, or human, or triangular — but what is the character they share, and does it exist? Plato gives the boldest answer, the Theory of Forms, and then turns his own Parmenides against it. The module sets transcendent realism, Aristotle's immanent realism, and nominalism side by side, and weighs what each must explain and what each must pay.

1. Module 4 ○ Open

   Universals and Particulars: The Problem of Universals

   Led by Plato

   The question

   When many things share a character — beauty, humanity, redness — is that shared character a real entity, and if so, what and where is it? Plato's Theory of Forms says it exists separately and perfectly, and particulars merely copy it; Aristotle says it is real but exists only in the things themselves; the nominalist says it does not exist at all, and only particulars and our words are real. The module gives each answer its strongest form, turns Plato's own devastating objections on the Forms, and asks the student to weigh what universals would explain against what believing in them would cost.

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