[enw]

> Is it correct to ask about the idea of a table? i.e. is there such a thing as a table in the abstract?

I don't understand. The "idea" of a table is an object that provides a level surface to place stuff on.

What am I missing? What is the interesting part?

[herbstein]

> The "idea" of a table is an object that provides a level surface to place stuff on.

You surely wouldn't call a boulder sticking out of the earth "a table", even if it did have a conveniently level surface to place stuff on? The point is that what we call "a table" is not just about function - it's also about form.

[wruza]

You surely wouldn't call

In my view, this is the basis of any philosophy – the confidence that some conception is (and must be) defined like you do it out of habit. Philosophy is psychology under cover. Ask a psycho what is a table and they will easily point at a heap of flesh and bones, or at their t-shirt. Table is a word. All philosophy does is an iterative pseudoagreement between human minds, which were randomly trained at verbalizing inputs. Sometimes it finds similar sounds, but that’s it.

[Filligree]

Sure I would, after making a habit of using it as such.

[JoeAltmaier]

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/FmKV/table-rock

[pontifier]

https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/mesa

[webmaven]

Is a stone altar a table?

[state_less]

Is this sand a castle?

[robotresearcher]

You’d never mistake the kitchen counter for the kitchen table, yet each meets your description equally well.