more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 14148

[catalogued under 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 Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.348