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    A term can signify in a universal mode through a general ... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→The term 'homo' is properly common.

    A term can signify in a universal mode through a general concept without that concept corresponding to a shared natura communis existing outside the mind.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Universality in signification depends on cognitive function, not external metaphysical entities. Minds generate generality through abstraction.
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    • 2.Nominalism successfully explains linguistic universality: we apply 'dog' universally via similar mental dispositions, not shared essences.
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    • 3.Positing unobservable shared natures violates parsimony. Universal concepts suffice to explain our actual semantic and inferential practices.
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    Reasons Against

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    • 1.If universality is purely mental, it becomes subjective. Yet 'dog' refers correctly across minds—suggesting objective constraints beyond concepts.
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    • 2.Abstraction itself requires selecting which features matter. Without shared natures, the criteria for correct abstraction remain unexplained.
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    • 3.Conceptual similarity among minds demands explanation. Convergent mental categories suggest underlying objective universals, not mere coincidence.
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    Related

    Abstraction itself requires selecting which features matter. Without shared natu...Conceptual similarity among minds demands explanation. Convergent mental categor...If universality is purely mental, it becomes subjective. Yet 'dog' refers correc...Nominalism successfully explains linguistic universality: we apply 'dog' univers...
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    Positing unobservable shared natures violates parsimony. Universal concepts suff...The term 'homo' is properly common.Universality in signification depends on cognitive function, not external metaph...

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