Nominalisták

Nominalisták is a philosophical term referring to adherents of nominalism, a metaphysical position that denies the existence of universal properties or abstract entities. Nominalists argue that only particular, individual things exist. Concepts like "redness" or "humanity" are, according to nominalism, merely names or labels that we use to group similar objects, rather than independently existing entities.

The history of nominalism traces back to ancient Greek philosophy, with figures like Democritus and possibly the Sophists exhibiting nominalist tendencies. However, it gained significant prominence in medieval philosophy, particularly through thinkers like William of Ockham. Ockham's Razor, a principle advocating for the simplest explanation, is often associated with nominalism, as it suggests we should not multiply entities beyond necessity. Therefore, if we can explain phenomena without positing abstract universals, we should do so.

Medieval nominalism often clashed with realism, the opposing view that universal concepts do exist independently of individual things. This debate had profound implications for theology, logic, and the philosophy of science.

In contemporary philosophy, nominalist positions continue to be explored and defended, often in relation to problems in the philosophy of language, mathematics, and science. Modern nominalists may propose various ways to understand abstract concepts without recourse to mind-independent universals, focusing on language, psychological constructs, or linguistic conventions.