sparse theory

philosophy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Sparse theories of universals propose that universals exist only for specific, fundamental predicates, often those used in physics, like "is an electron". This contrasts with plenitudinous theories, which suggest a universal for nearly every predicative expression in language. Philosophers advocating sparse theories argue that universals are necessary only to explain the most basic ways things resemble each other, such as through "natural classes" where members share a single, objective characteristic. For example, "being spherical" defines a natural class, whereas "being a table" does not due to the wide variation among tables.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

universal
Plenitudinous theories and sparse theories
The distinction between plenitudinous and sparse theories of universals (a distinction that cuts across the distinction between Platonic and Aristotelian realism) did not become a major issue in philosophy until the 20th century. According to the plenitudinous view, there is a universal corresponding to almost every predicative expression in any…
Read More
The distinction between plenitudinous and sparse theories of universals (a distinction that cuts across the distinction between Platonic and Aristotelian realism) did not become a major issue in philosophy until the 20th century. According to the plenitudinous view, there is a universal corresponding to almost every predicative expression in any…
Read More