Are actions universals?

SEP lineolata July 15, 2024 at 12:54 1350 views 7 comments

Are actions in general (such as buying, walking, flying etc.) considered universals? Also are the properties of these actions (such as being-hard-ness, annoying, fast, efficient, etc. )considered universals too?

Comments (7)

Deleted User July 15, 2024 at 16:46 #917701 0 likes

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Philosophim July 15, 2024 at 21:11 #917794 0 likes

What is the definition of a universal that you're using?

Count Timothy von Icarus July 16, 2024 at 01:20 #917872 0 likes

I've looked into this since it seems like it would come up at the intersection of process philosophy and realism. People have certainly proposed actions as universals, but it has really not garnered much attention from what I've seen.

Part of the problem is that the universal is called on to explain "what stays the same" across various instances but then a processual universal must in some way incorporate change within itself.

Deleted User July 16, 2024 at 15:23 #918064 0 likes

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180 Proof July 16, 2024 at 15:31 #918066 0 likes

Quoting SEP lineolata

Are actions in general (such as buying, walking, flying etc.) considered universals?

If I understand your question correctly, I suppose so sub specie aeternitatis (or from a 4-d pov) ...

I like sushi July 16, 2024 at 23:49 #918186 0 likes

Reply to SEP lineolata I see universals as meaning only ONE kind of thing. There are different types of 'walking' but not different types of 'the number one'.

If you cannot ask "what kind?" it is a universal.

John McMannis July 17, 2024 at 00:52 #918206 0 likes

Quoting SEP lineolata

Are actions in general (such as buying, walking, flying etc.) considered universals?

Hmm. My first thought is that no, they are particulars but that the idea of any action is a universal. But good question.