The universal is an empty, always-receding signifier, not fixed content

Evidence

A universal is merely a sign of many things. As to this, Occam agrees with Aquinas, as against Averroes, Avicenna, and the Augustinians. Both hold that there are only individual things, individual minds, and acts of understanding. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1795 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: A universal is merely a mental sign that signifies many individual things — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1795

Related

• A universal is merely a mental sign that signifies many individual things (similarity 0.95)

Broader Connections

• A universal is merely a mental sign that signifies many individual things #corroborates (0.85) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1795