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Single Idea 23744

[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 1. Definitions ]

Full Idea

The discussion of colour concepts shows that permutation problems arise when a set of concepts, acquired inter alia via the presentation of paradigms, is largely interdefined.

Gist of Idea

Defining a set of things by paradigms doesn't pin them down enough

Source

Michael Smith (The Moral Problem [1994], 5.9)

Book Ref

Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.163


A Reaction

Smith says that our normative moral concepts are largely interdefined in this way. The 'permutation' problem is that they can change places in the definition set, and so their intrinsic individual character is not pinned down. Sounds right.