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Single Idea 10275

[from 'Philosophy of Mathematics' by Stewart Shapiro, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 3. Unity Problems / e. Vague objects ]

Full Idea

A blurry border is still a border.

Gist of Idea

A blurry border is still a border

Source

Stewart Shapiro (Philosophy of Mathematics [1997], 8.3)

Book Reference

Shapiro,Stewart: 'Philosophy of Mathematics:structure and ontology' [OUP 1997], p.255


A Reaction

This remark deserves to be quoted in almost every area of philosophy, against those who attack a concept by focusing on its vague edges. Philosophers should focus on central cases, not borderline cases (though the latter may be of interest).