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The Sorites is Nonsense Disguised by a Fallacy

Goldstein, Laurence (2012) The Sorites is Nonsense Disguised by a Fallacy. Analysis, 72 (1). pp. 61-65. ISSN 0003-2638. (doi:10.1093/analys/anr127) (KAR id:33644)

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Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/analys/anr127

Abstract

It is uncontroversial that, on any run through a Sorites series, a subject, at some point, switches from an ‘F’ verdict on one exhibit to a non-‘F’ verdict on the next. (Where this ‘cut-off’ point occurs tends to differ from trial to trial.) It is a fallacy to infer that there must be a cut-off point simpliciter between F items and non-F items. The transition is from firm ground to swamp. In the Sorites reasoning, some conditionals of the form ‘If Item n is F, then Item n+1 is F’ are not false but nonsensical. This solution respects boundarylessness.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1093/analys/anr127
Uncontrolled keywords: Sorites paradox boundarylessness Sainsbury
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BC Logic
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Laurence Goldstein
Date Deposited: 19 Apr 2013 09:16 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:11 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33644 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Goldstein, Laurence.

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