Which philosophical stance denies the existence of universals as real entities?

Nominalism is the philosophical stance that denies the existence of universals as real entities. According to nominalists, universals, such as properties or qualities, do not exist independently of the objects they describe. Instead, they argue that terms and concepts we use to describe things are merely names or labels that do not refer to any underlying, shared reality. For instance, while we might use the term "redness" to describe various red objects, nominalism posits that "redness" itself is not a distinct, universal entity but rather a way to categorize those individual objects.

In contrast:

• Realism asserts that universals exist independently of the particular instances we observe. This view holds that there are shared qualities that can be found in multiple instances, equating them with real properties of the world.

• Idealism posits that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual and often claims that universals exist in the mind or as ideas, further differing from nominalism's rejection of their independent existence.

• Materialism, on the other hand, focuses on the physical and tangible aspects of reality, often disregarding abstract universals like properties or qualities in its account of existence.

Understanding nominalism is key for grasping debates in metaphysics,