Single Idea 21589

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 10. Vagueness / a. Problem of vagueness]

Full Idea

The principle of bivalence (that every statement is either true or false) has been rejected for vague languages. To reject bivalence is to reject classical logic or semantics.

Gist of Idea

When bivalence is rejected because of vagueness, we lose classical logic

Source

Timothy Williamson (Vagueness [1994], Intro)

Book Reference

Williamson,Timothy: 'Vagueness' [Routledge 1996], p.2


A Reaction

His example is specifying a moment when Rembrandt became 'old'. This is the number one reason why the problem of vagueness is seen as important. Is the rejection of classical logic a loss of our grip on the world?