Single Idea 23629

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 9. Ambiguity]

Full Idea

There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words.

Gist of Idea

The ambiguity of words impedes the advancement of knowledge

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 1: Preliminary [1785], 1)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.129


A Reaction

He means that ambiguity leads to long pointless disagreements.