Abstract

Ever since the so-called linguistic revolution in philosophy, the problem of universals has become the question of whether or not abstract/general terms refer. Nominalism gives a negative answer to that question. But there is, let us say, a Continental side to nominalism which this paper sets out to explore. It examines the social consequences of a nominalist approach to questions of knowledge. In particular it looks in detail at 17th century science and Merton's scientific ethos and describes the effects of nominalism as a social norm of research in both fields. According to this interpretation nominalism links up cognitive and social factors. As an intermediary stage the paper examines Nietzsche's analysis of the social function of abstract terms and his view of science. Lastly, the paper indicates how a methodical nominalism can make a significant contribution towards solving the problem of relativism