Single Idea 23540

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 10. Vagueness / a. Problem of vagueness]

Full Idea

If 'P is red' and 'P is orange' are indefinite, then 'P is red and P is orange' seems false, because red and orange are exclusive. But if two conjoined indefinite sentences are false, that makes 'P is red and P is red' false, when it should be indefinite.

Gist of Idea

Conjoining two indefinites by related sentences seems to produce a contradiction

Source

Kit Fine (Vagueness: a global approach [2020], 1)

Book Reference

Fine,Kit: 'Vagueness: a global approach' [OUP 2020], p.10


A Reaction

[compressed] This is the problem of 'penumbral connection', where two indefinite values are still logically related, by excluding one another. Presumably 'P is red and P is of indefinite shape' can be true? Doubtful about this argument.