more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 21565

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 4. Paradoxes in Logic / d. Richard's paradox]

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 Reference

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.