Full Idea
The paradox of analysis says if a conceptual analysis states exactly what the original statement says, then the analysis is trivial; if it says something different from the original, then the analysis is mistaken. All analyses are trivial or false.
Gist of Idea
The paradox of analysis says that any conceptual analysis must be either trivial or false
Source
Roy Sorensen (Vagueness and Contradiction [2001], 8.5)
Book Reference
Sorensen,Roy: 'Vagueness and Contradiction' [OUP 2004], p.138
A Reaction
[source is G.E. Moore] Good analyses typically give explanations, or necessary and sufficient conditions, or inferential relations. At their most trivial they at least produce a more profound dictionary than your usual lexicographer. Not guilty.
Related Ideas
Idea 17082 Paradox: why do you analyse if you know it, and how do you analyse if you don't? [Ruben]
Idea 17663 If you know what it is, investigation is pointless. If you don't, investigation is impossible [Armstrong]