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Full Idea
We need properties, sometimes natural and sometimes not, to provide an adequate supply of semantic values for linguistic expressions.
Gist of Idea
We need properties as semantic values for linguistic expressions
Source
David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983], 'Un and Prop')
Book Ref
'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.194
A Reaction
A characteristically twentieth century approach, which I find puzzling. We don't need a Loch Ness Monster in order to use the term 'Loch Ness Monster'. Lewis appears to have been a pupil of Quine... He was not, though, a Predicate Nominalist.