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Single Idea 14148

[filed under theme 2. Reason / F. Fallacies / 2. Infinite Regress ]

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

The 4 ideas with the same theme [hopeless explanations which go on forever]:

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]