The Philosophy Lexicon series is inspired by the success of the Aesthetics Lexicon edited by Remo Bodei, which now comprises twenty volumes, and the Political Lexicon edited by Carlo Galli, which has fourteen. The Philosophy Lexicon was developed and is edited by Massimo Mori, a renowned scholar of the history of philosophy at the University of Turin, editor-in-chief of Rivista di Filosofia, and author of several books and school texts. This new Lexicon has the same format as the preceding successful series: about twenty titles, each about 180 pages long and devoted to a specific concept or pair of concepts that have played a central role in the history of philosophy. The goal is also the same: offer non-specialist readers an essential encyclopedia of the key ideas which give life to philosophical thought, especially in its historical evolution.

Besides the title described here, the following are already published: Action by Mario De Caro and Reason by Emanuele Cafagna. In preparation: Good and Evil by Giuseppe Riconda, Probable / Necessary by Massimo Mugnai, Life / Death by Daniela Steila, Virtual by Enrico Pasini, Symbol by Massimo Ferrari.

Does there exist, besides single red things, a universal red property? Or are there only individual, particular entities? How does one explain the fact that many distinct entities can be considered the same as regards a specific feature? And what is it exactly that distinguishes two things that share the exact same property? These are some of the questions that involve universals and particulars, a general issue that, ever since Platos dialogues and Aristotles Metaphysics, has played a crucial role in ontology. This book outlines the evolution of this issue through its main historical phases, from its initial conception in ancient times, through its medieval development, up to its sometimes hidden presence in modern philosophy. The text also addresses contemporary debates in metaphysics, in which there is a significant revival of interest for this topic, especially in analytical philosophy.

Guido Bonino teaches History of Philosophy at the University of Turin.