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Full Idea
In the objectionable kind of infinite regress, some propositions join to constitute the meaning of some proposition, but one of them is similarly compounded, and so ad infinitum. This comes from circular definitions, where the term defined reappears.
Gist of Idea
Infinite regresses have propositions made of propositions etc, with the key term reappearing
Source
Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §329)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.348
574 | Not everything can be proven, because that would lead to an infinite regress [Aristotle] |
14148 | Infinite regresses have propositions made of propositions etc, with the key term reappearing [Russell] |
6064 | Regresses are only vicious in the context of an explanation [McGinn] |
23000 | Vicious regresses force you to another level; non-vicious imply another level [Baron/Miller] |