LessonsConcepts: Particular and Universal, and Six Cases of UniversalsQuiz

1. “Zayd”: particular when it denotes one determinate person; the same identity cannot apply to another person.
2. “Human”: universal, since several individuals may instantiate humanity.
3. “This horse”: particular by demonstrative identification; the general meaning “horse” remains universal.
4. “A mountain of ruby”: even if no such mountain exists, several possible examples would satisfy the description; it is universal.

The classifications depend on individual determination and possible common predication, not the mere number now observed.

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Worked classification of four expressions

Concepts: Particular and Universal, and Six Cases of Universals

1. “Zayd”: particular when it denotes one determinate person; the same identity cannot apply to another person.
2. “Human”: universal, since several individuals may instantiate humanity.
3. “This horse”: particular by demonstrative identification; the general meaning “horse” remains universal.
4. “A mountain of ruby”: even if no such mountain exists, several possible examples would satisfy the description; it is universal.

The classifications depend on individual determination and possible common predication, not the mere number now observed.