Single Idea 9120

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 10. Vagueness / c. Vagueness as ignorance]

Full Idea

Vagueness in a concept is its indiscriminability from other possible concepts; this can be reconciled with our knowledge of vague terms.

Gist of Idea

Vagueness in a concept is its indiscriminability from other possible concepts

Source

Timothy Williamson (Vagueness [1994], 8.1)

Book Reference

Williamson,Timothy: 'Vagueness' [Routledge 1996], p.217


A Reaction

Sorensen objects that this makes vagueness too relative to members of a speech community. He prefers 'absolute borderline cases'. If you like the epistemic view, then Williamson seems more plausible. My 'vague' might differ from yours.