PHL205H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Nominalism, First Doctor
Document Summary
Abelard and the problem of universals december 1 st. He believed that universals exist purely by virtue of words in the mind and that they do not exist outside the mind. The opposite is the realist position of universals. As in, there is something called human being above and beyond us in reality. Abelard insists that deeds, character, and desires have no moral value whatsoever. It"s not wrong to say that something is a good deed, but its morality is derivative of the intention it"s not good in itself. Also, human beings have a harder time judging intentions because you have no way of knowing someone"s intentions through their deeds. You might also want to punish someone for a morally neutral act because of its exemplary value. The morality of an intention is independent of the punishment administered. If it"s aligned with what god wants you to do.