Eram Sum Ero.
Oremus Mare.
I believe in you.
January 5, 2025
P1. If Nominalism denies universals, then a Nominalist cannot believe in an infinite regression without believing in true contradictions. P2. Nominalism denies universals. C. A Nominalist cannot believe in an infinite regression without believing in true contradictions.
♾️What’s the argument for P1?♾️
Nominalism posits that only particular, concrete entities exist, denying the reality of universals or necessary beings. This perspective, while claiming to simplify metaphysical commitments, encounters profound contradictions when confronted with the issue of infinite regress. A worldview grounded in particulars, without universals or a necessary grounding, leads to explanatory deferral, sacrificing reason and coherence for the sake of avoiding metaphysical abstraction.
This paper argues that nominalists who accept infinite regress undermine their claim to rationality and coherence, ultimately destroying the very foundation of reason. By contrast, Neoplatonism, with its emphasis on the One as the transcendent source of all reality, resolves these contradictions. It restores coherence, sufficiency, and unity to rational inquiry, offering a metaphysical framework that surpasses nominalism in both simplicity and explanatory depth.
1. Nominalism’s Core Assumption
Nominalism rejects universals, positing that categories like “humanity” or “goodness” are linguistic conventions rather than ontological realities. This leads nominalists to emphasize the particularity and independence of discrete entities, avoiding abstract or metaphysical commitments.
2. Infinite Regress and the Collapse of Reason
The rejection of universals and necessary beings forces nominalists to accept infinite regress as a brute fact:
No Ultimate Explanation: Without a unifying principle or first cause, nominalists are left with an endless chain of contingent explanations.
Irrational Deferral: Infinite regress defers resolution indefinitely, rendering any explanation incomplete. This contradicts the rational pursuit of coherent and sufficient answers.