Definition

A philosophical position asserting that abstract objects (like properties, numbers, or universals) do not exist independently, and that only concrete individual things are real. It rejects the existence of entities beyond particular, tangible instances—for example, there is no abstract "redness," only red things.

Example Usage

Her nominalism led her to argue that mathematical objects are merely human constructs rather than timeless truths.

Origin

From Latin 'nominalis' (of or pertaining to a name), developed as a formal philosophical doctrine in medieval scholasticism.

Fun Fact

Nominalism was championed by William of Ockham and influenced later empiricist philosophy, including the thinking of David Hume.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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