sorites
- noun
- /səˈraɪtiːz/
- Specialized
- The Sorites Paradox illustrates how a series of small changes can lead to a seemingly absurd conclusion.
Examples
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I would say it's more akin to Sorites' paradox than Zeno's.
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Perhaps in your slight attempt at wit, you do not quite grasp the metaphysical significance of Sorites paradoxes.
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In philosophy, the Sorites is often used to discuss the nature of vagueness and how it impacts our reasoning.
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One classic example of a sorites is the argument about when a heap of sand ceases to be a heap.
Synonyms
A set of connected reasons that lead to a conclusion
Surface Forms
Etymology
Sorites comes from the Greek word sōros meaning 'heap'. The name refers to a classic puzzle about a heap of sand where removing one grain at a time makes a chain of small steps, so sorites now means a linked series of statements that leads to a surprising conclusion.