Universals

In philosophy, 'universals' refers to abstract concepts, properties, or qualities that can be instantiated or exemplified by many particular things. They are thought to be unchanging, existing independently of the individual objects that possess them. Discussions about universals often revolve around questions of ontology (what exists) and metaphysics (the nature of reality). Key debates include whether universals exist independently of particulars (realism) or are merely mental constructs (nominalism or conceptualism), and whether they can be understood as types, kinds, or properties. They are frequently contrasted with 'particulars' - individual, concrete entities, or instances that exemplify a universal.

Universals meaning with examples

• Plato's Theory of Forms proposes that universals, such as 'beauty' or 'justice', are perfect, unchanging ideals that exist in a separate realm. All beautiful things participate in the universal 'Beauty' to varying degrees. These ideal forms act as the basis for all earthly examples. This philosophical theory impacts how humans interpret the material world.
• Consider the universal 'redness'. Many different objects can be red: a fire truck, a rose, a traffic light. Redness itself isn't a physical object, but the shared characteristic that makes these diverse things similar. Realists assert 'redness' exists, independent of red objects, whereas nominalists might argue it's just a convenient label.
• The concept of 'humanity' is a universal. All individual human beings, regardless of their differences, share the properties that define humanity. Philosophers debate whether humanity is a real, shared property or just a convenient way to group similar individuals. Considering universals helps classify species to determine familial traits.
• The idea of 'justice' is another example. While specific laws and court systems may vary, the concept of fairness and equitable treatment embodies the universal of justice. The pursuit of justice manifests differently across cultures, yet the underlying principle remains constant. It is a principle sought in all realms of government.
• The concept of 'triangle' is a mathematical universal. All triangles, regardless of their size or shape, share certain properties, like having three sides and three angles that sum to 180 degrees. Even imperfectly drawn triangles share these defining features. This concept has a large impact on mathematics and geometry.