Σωρείτης

The Sorites Paradox

ΠαράδοξοΣ

The Paradox

1. 1000 grains of sand are a heap

2. If 1000 grains of sand are a heap, then 999 grains of sand are also a heap

1. 1000 grains of sand are a heap

2. If 1000 grains of sand are a heap, then 999 grains of sand are also a heap

3. If 999 grains of sand are a heap, then 998 grains of sand are also a heap

4. If 998 grains of sand are a heap, then 997 grains of sand are also a heap

1000. If 2 grains of sand are a heap, then 1 grain of sand is also a heap

Possible Paradox Solutions

ἡ ἡμῶν λύσις

Our Solution

Plato's Theory of Forms

Plato's Theory of Forms Applied to Heaps

If we agree that there are many entities that can be considered heaps, we can agree that there is no concrete definition of what a heap is.

“A collection of things lying one upon another so as to form an elevated mass… (A heap of things placed regularly one above another is more distinctively called a pile.)” (Oxford English Dictionary)

ὁ ἡμῶν ὁρισμός

our definition

1) A heap must consist of more than one entity

2) The items in the heap must be in a similar category ("similar" is in the eye of the beholder)

3) The heap must have more height than the objects in the heap would have by themselves

Based on this list, we disprove the last premise (but none of the ones before it) that says that if two grains of sand are a heap, one grain of sand is a heap.

Anything that does possess the property of “heapness” (meaning it possesses all three properties), can therefore be considered a heap, and there is no way to define a specific point where it ceases to become a heap.

Why agree with us?

We like Modus Ponens!

We don't want heaps not to exist and we don't believe a grain of sand is a heap.

We can always Sorites any of the premises we deny.

You can Sorites "vague."

How do you define which words in the English language are/aren't vague?

Therefore, our conclusion is the most rational.

Now it's time for you to disagree.