more from Michael Dummett

Single Idea 8194

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 6. Paradoxes in Language / b. The Heap paradox ('Sorites')]

Full Idea

There is surely no number n such that "n grains of sand do not make a heap, although n+1 grains of sand do" is true.

Gist of Idea

Surely there is no exact single grain that brings a heap into existence

Source

Michael Dummett (Truth and the Past [2001], 4)

Book Reference

Dummett,Michael: 'Truth and the Past (Dewey Lectures)' [Columbia 2004], p.60


A Reaction

It might be argued that there is such a number, but no human being is capable of determing it. Might God know the value of n? On the whole Dummett's view seems the most plausible.