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My preferred resolution says that every group of grains of sand is not 100% a heap. I still think a theory that says it is has this problem. If we could simula
by ikeboy 11y ago
My preferred resolution says that every group of grains of sand is not 100% a heap. I still think a theory that says it is has this problem.
If we could simulate humans, we could in theory spin up a trillion versions, show each a different "heap", and find out exactly what size makes people call it a heap.
- mannykannot 11y agoSo vagueness is the answer for heaps, but not for pumpkins that differ by one molecule? How convenient for you! Of course, this would mean (going all the way back to your post that started this thread) that the pumpkin argument is not relevant to the sorities paradox. You can't have it both ways. I think you are aware, to some degree, that you have created this problem, and your second sentence is an attempt to get around it - but what you are doing in that sentence is to deny the fundamental premise of the sorities paradox! That is certainly one way to address it, and a very bold one, if I may say so. I am delighted to see that your understanding of the issues has evolved so radically in the course of this discussion.
- ikeboy 11y ago>So vagueness is the answer for heaps, but not for pumpkins that differ by one molecule? What? No, my proposed solution (involving degrees of truth) applies equally in both examples. The first pumpkin is not 100% a pumpkin. But if you think the first one is unambiguously a pumpkin, then you do have the paradox.