Classical Stuff You Should Know 292: Nominalism and William of Ockham
Dec 30, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of William of Ockham, where words may not mean much. Debate the clash of Plato's Forms and Aristotle's realism as the hosts tackle how language works in a nominalist framework. Explore whether categories like 'tree' are mere fictions or essential truths and how God's role fits into Ockham's ideas. Discover the pitfalls of extreme nominalism, including potential solipsism, and reflect on its modern implications in our internet-driven lives. It's a wild ride through philosophy and language!
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Names Are Tools, Not Metaphysical Forms
- William of Ockham rejects universals and says only individual things truly exist; names are human-made tools to describe similarities.
- This nominalism challenges Platonic/Aristotelian realism by denying metaphysical forms behind categories.
God Relates To Individuals, Not Universals
- Ockham ties individual existence to God's will so universals do not bind God or reality.
- God relates to individual creatures, not abstract categories, preserving divine freedom.
Nominalism As A Check On Over-Schematizing
- Ockham's nominalism aims to curb dangerous over-schematic thinking that makes the map the territory.
- He introduces humility: treat categories as helpful models, not absolute realities.