Single Idea 10631

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / L. Paradox / 6. Paradoxes in Language / c. Grelling's paradox]

Full Idea

If we stipulate that 'x is heterological' iff it does not apply to itself, we speedily arrive at the contradiction that 'heterological' is itself heterological just in case it is not.

Gist of Idea

If 'x is heterological' iff it does not apply to itself, then 'heterological' is heterological if it isn't heterological

Source

B Hale / C Wright (Intro to 'The Reason's Proper Study' [2001], 3.2)

Book Reference

Hale,B/Wright,C: 'The Reason's Proper Study' [OUP 2003], p.18