Problem Of The Universals

Question 1

What is the importance of universal

Answer 1

Only when the concept is universal while object is individual, can there be a real relation of knowledge

Only thus are universal practical knowledge possible

Question 2

What is exaggerated realism, and who are their advocates

Answer 2

Universals are subsistent reality which individual shares extramentally

There is unitary substance, individuals participate or accidentally modifying it. J.S. Eriugena

When a new child is born, for example, God produces a new property from an already existing substance

Question 3

What is nominalism and its advocate

Answer 3

Only exist individual things. Eric of Auxere, Rescelin

Question 4

Describe the controversy between William of Champeaux and Abelard

Answer 4

William is disciple of Roscelin, however he is ultra realist
- individual of a species differ only accidentally not substantially

Abelard replies that it will lead ultimately to Pantheism, a substance cannot be Plato and Socrates at the same time

William changed his mind and made the indifference theory: same things not essentially but indifferently, not numerically the same but similar. Abandoned his ultra realism

Question 5

How does Abelard distinguish between vox and sermo

Answer 5

Vox is the physical entity, while sermo is in relation to the logical content, it is which is predicated

Universal lies in the sermo

Question 6

Who are the main advocates of moderate realism

Answer 6

Abelard

Gilbert de la ponte

John of Salisbury

St. Thomas

Question 7

What was the starting point of the problem of Universals

Answer 7

Boethius
- composition produces false ideas (centaur), while abstraction produce true ideas (a line), even though it does not exist extra mentally (genera and species)

They subsist in things