Nominalism - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Nominalism, a philosophical stance both deceptively simple and profoundly unsettling, suggests that general terms or universals—like "redness" or "humanity"—are merely names (Latin: nomina) without any corresponding independent reality. Are the categories we use to understand the world genuine reflections of inherent structure, or just convenient fictions?
The seeds of Nominalism were sown in late antiquity, germinating within the fertile ground of medieval scholasticism. While precise origins are debated, the 11th-century philosopher Roscellinus is often credited with articulating an early Nominalist position, challenging the prevailing realism of his time. Berengar of Tours, a contemporary, also faced condemnation for views that seemed to undermine the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, hinting at a Nominalist understanding of substance. These early stirrings occurred against a backdrop of intense theological debates, where the nature of God, the Trinity, and the authority of scripture were fiercely contested--debates carried on in the shadow of empires and the light of cathedrals.
Developed through figures like William of Ockham in the 14th century, Nominalism gained momentum, deeply influencing late medieval thought. Ockham's razor, advocating for the simplest explanation, became emblematic of the Nominalist approach: if universals aren't necessary to explain reality, we should dispense with them. This perspective resonated with emerging scientific sensibilities, as empiricism and observation challenged abstract, metaphysical systems. The Reformation, with its emphasis on individual interpretation of scripture, also paralleled Nominalism's rejection of overarching authorities. From ethical theory to epistemology, Nominalism encouraged greater emphasis on particular instances, contributing to the rise of a moral landscape that emphasized human action and freedom. It raises a fascinating question: if "justice" is just a name, does that diminish the power of the justice theory, as it appears in the veil of ignorance?
Today, Nominalism continues to provoke discussion in fields ranging from meta-ethics to the philosophy of mathematics. Its legacy lies in its enduring challenge to any easy acceptance of abstract concepts as reflections of concrete realities. Do our words truly capture the essence of things, or do they merely serve as labels for a world that ultimately defies categorization? As we wrestle with the complexities of AI, particularly in the debate on ethical AI and the nature of consciousness, and with the challenges posed by virtue signaling in society, Nominalism remains a potent reminder of the limits of language and the ever-present gap between thought and reality, asking us to consider the profound nature of subjective morality.