Term
universals
Non-physical, abstract entities that can be possessed by more than one thing at the same time.
Filed underPhilosophy
Definition
An abstract entity that is neither a concrete object, nor is it physical. Universals are also 'multiply instantiable', meaning that they can be had by more than one thing at the same time.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Related to
- ConceptualismTerm
- See also
- Contrasted with
- particularsTerm
Sources
- 1.Cowan, Stephen B. The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy. (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2009). 172Original citation: Cowan, Stephen B. The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2009, 172.
Last revised August 14, 2026