Page "Universal (metaphysics)" Paragraph 1

The noun " universal " contrasts with " individual ", while the adjective " universal " contrasts with " particular ".

Paradigmatically, universals are abstract ( e. g. humanity ), whereas particulars are concrete ( e. g. the person of Socrates ).

However, universals are not necessarily abstract and particulars are not necessarily concrete.

For example, one might hold that numbers are particular yet abstract objects.

Likewise, some philosophers, such as D. M.

Armstrong, consider universals to be concrete.