theory-of-universals
/ˈθɪə.ri əv ˈjuː.nɪ.vɜː.səlz/ IELTSAcademic
noun
In philosophy, the theory of universals is the idea that general qualities, like redness or beauty, can exist in more than one thing. It asks whether shared properties are real, or only names we use.
- Plato discussed the theory of universals.
- Philosophers still debate universals and particulars.
Adinary Nuance
The theory of universals is not the same as a general theory or a common belief. It is a philosophical idea about whether shared qualities are real things or only mental labels. Writers use it in academic discussion, especially in logic and metaphysics. It sounds technical, not everyday.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thuyết về phổ quát
- Spanish
- teoría de los universales
- Chinese
- 共相理论
- Japanese
- 普遍概念論
- Korean
- 보편자 이론
Etymology
This phrase comes from philosophy, with roots in Ancient Greek thought and later medieval debates in Latin. The word universal here means a general property shared by many things.
Common phrases
the problem of universalsuniversals and particularsa theory of universals
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is theory of universals a common everyday phrase?
- No. It is mainly used in philosophy and academic writing.
- What does universals mean here?
- It means general qualities shared by many things, like color or shape.
- Is it the same as universal truth?
- No. Universal truth is broader. Theory of universals is a philosophy idea.
- Can I use this in IELTS Writing?
- Yes, if you are writing about philosophy or abstract ideas.