Dissertation Abstract
On Universals: The Scholastic Realism
of John Duns
Scotus And Charles Sanders Peirce
by
Rosa-Maria Perez-Teran Mayorga
Degree: Ph.D.
Year: 2002
Pages: 00251
Institution:
Supervisor
Susan Haack
Source: DAI, 63, no. 11A (2002): p. 3968
Standard
No: ISBN: 0-493-90993-1
The problem of universals is shown to be the
problem of trying to determine what kinds of things concepts are, the
connection concepts have with the world at large, and what effect this has on
claims to knowledge of the world as it is. The problem is traced from its
origin in Plato through the works of Aristotle, Alexander of Aphrodisias,
Porphyry, Boethius, and Avicenna. The realist position that claims universals
as real is contrasted with the nominalist one which says that only individuals
exist and are real. Since knowledge of the world is acquired through concepts (universals)
the nominalist is in the uncomfortable position of having to admit to not
knowing the world as it really is. Scotus' attempt at trying to resolve the
problem is evaluated. Peirce's declaration that he is even more of a realist
than Scotus at first seems inconsistent because of nominalistic and idealist elements
in Peirce's own theory, but after understanding his relation to Scotus and
Scotus' relation to his predecessors, Peirce's position can be seen as a
coherent, even if not completely defensible, whole. However, it is recommended
that he be called a "realicist" instead so as to differentiate him
from the more common varieties of realists.
SUBJECT(S)
Descriptor: PHILOSOPHY
Accession
No: AAI3071253
Provider: OCLC
Database: Dissertations