nominalism

   Nominalism is the view, opposed to realism (also called 'Platonism'), that universals (such as truth, beauty and goodness) do not have a mind-independent existence, but are merely linguistic items. The debate between nominalism and realism preoccupied much of medieval philosophy, and it has latterly re-entered analytical philosophy. The distinctive problems that arise for Christian philosophers are: (1) if universals have a real mind-independent existence are they created by God and within his power, or independent of him? (2) if universals are, in contrast, merely linguistic items, how are we to describe God's power and other attributes, which far outstrip our finite powers of expression? Abelard and Roscelin (who described universals as mere 'flatus vocis' - 'breath of the voice') were representatives of the nominalist school; Aquinas, Bonaventure and Duns Scotus were realists. Ockham held a mid-way position called conceptualism: that universals have a mental reality over and above their linguistic representation but not outside the mind (though this position is frequently also loosely described as 'nominalistic').

   See Abelard, Peter; Aquinas, Thomas; Bonaventure; conceptualism; Duns Scotus, John; Ockham, William of; realism; universals

   Further reading: Moreland 2001; Oberman 1983; Tooley 1999