Falk’s Reviews > Medieval Thought > Status Update

“A universal noun designates 'a common form'. We conceive such a form when we use a universal noun. But what is a common form? The answer that Abelard gave is that it is not a thing nor is it a concept (intellectus) but it is a signification. A name that signifies stands between reality and understanding. A universal noun generates a concept but it is not itself a concept.” (p. 50)