Philosophy and Theology

Volume 21, Issue 1/2, 2009

Avicenna and the Problem of Universals

The main object of this paper is to clarify and evaluate Avicenna’s view of universals, in light of some modern and contemporary discussions. According to Avicenna, universality is a contingent attribute of entities that are in themselves neither universal nor particular. An account of universality as a contingent attribute is offered which clarifies and gives additional support to Avicenna’s view. Nevertheless, it will be argued that Avicenna, through his use of such terms as “nature” and “quiddity,” faces the same problems which he attributes to his predecessors.