Single Idea 15739

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 10. Properties as Predicates]

Full Idea

The abundant properties far outrun the predicates of any language we could possibly possess. ...Properties are as abundant as the sets, because for any set whatever, there is the property of belonging to that set.

Gist of Idea

There is the property of belonging to a set, so abundant properties are as numerous as the sets

Source

David Lewis (On the Plurality of Worlds [1986], 1.5)

Book Reference

Lewis,David: 'On the Plurality of Worlds' [Blackwell 2001], p.59


A Reaction

The idea of calling such things 'properties' strikes me as preposterous, but it is interesting that we confront truths which outrun our predicates. We can't have all of these predicates together, but there is no impediment to any one of them.