nominalistische

Nominalistische is the Dutch term used to describe the philosophical stance of nominalism, and more broadly the adherents of that position. In philosophy, nominalism is the view that universals—such as properties, kinds, or abstract objects like “redness” or “beauty”—do not exist independently of language and thought. According to nominalists, only particular things exist, and general terms function as names, labels, or mental concepts rather than as real entities with their own independently existing essence.

Historically, nominalism emerged in opposition to realist accounts of universals that posited shared properties exist independently and can be applied to many things. In the medieval period, figures such as Roscellinus and William of Ockham were influential proponents, arguing that universals are convenient ways of speaking about a set of particular things rather than reflections of a separate realm of objects. Over time, nominalism developed into various strands, ranging from strict anti-Realist positions to more moderate forms that allow universals to be useful linguistic or conceptual tools without asserting their independent existence.

Core ideas associated with nominalism include the denial of abstract entities beyond individual things, the treatment of general terms as merely verbal or cognitive constructs, and an emphasis on how language and classification relate to actual, observable objects. Modern discussions often relate nominalism to issues in the philosophy of language and science, including the status of abstract predicates, scientific classification, and the logic of predication. While controversial, nominalism continues to influence debates about realism, conceptualism, and the nature of universals.