more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
In Richard's puzzle, we use the notion of 'definition', and this, oddly enough, is not definable, and is indeed not a definite notion at all.
Gist of Idea
Richard's puzzle uses the notion of 'definition' - but that cannot be defined
Source
Bertrand Russell (On 'Insolubilia' and their solution [1906], p.209)
Book Ref
Russell,Bertrand: 'Essays in Analysis', ed/tr. Lackey,Douglas [George Braziller 1973], p.209
A Reaction
The background for this claim is his type theory, which renders certain forms of circular reference meaningless.
21563 | The 'no classes' theory says the propositions just refer to the members [Russell] |
21564 | Vicious Circle: what involves ALL must not be one of those ALL [Russell] |
21565 | Richard's puzzle uses the notion of 'definition' - but that cannot be defined [Russell] |