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sorites

sorites

1 9.9
A chain of statements where each conclusion becomes the next statement, causing a surprising result
  • noun
  • /səˈraɪtiːz/
  • Specialized
: sorites
  • The Sorites Paradox illustrates how a series of small changes can lead to a seemingly absurd conclusion.

Examples

  • I would say it's more akin to Sorites' paradox than Zeno's.

    Blog text (9)
  • Perhaps in your slight attempt at wit, you do not quite grasp the metaphysical significance of Sorites paradoxes.

    Blog text (26)
  • In philosophy, the Sorites is often used to discuss the nature of vagueness and how it impacts our reasoning.

  • One classic example of a sorites is the argument about when a heap of sand ceases to be a heap.

Synonyms

line of reasoning
vssorites
9 4.2

A set of connected reasons that lead to a conclusion

is a specific chained argument often causing paradoxes by making each conclusion the premise

Surface Forms

sorites singular
sorites plural

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.