Against the Vagueness Argument |
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Authors: | Tuomas E Tahko |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Philosophy, Durham University, 50 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN, UK |
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Abstract: | In this paper I offer a counterexample to the so called vagueness argument against restricted composition. This will be done
in the lines of a recent suggestion by Trenton Merricks, namely by challenging the claim that there cannot be a sharp cut-off
point in a composition sequence. It will be suggested that causal powers which emerge when composition occurs can serve as
an indicator of such sharp cut-off points. The main example will be the case of a heap. It seems that heaps might provide
a very plausible counterexample to the vagueness argument if we accept the idea that four grains of sand is the least number
required to compose a heap—the case has been supported by W. D. Hart. My purpose here is not to put forward a new theory of
composition, I only wish to refute the vagueness argument and point out that we should be wary of arguments of its form.
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Keywords: | Vagueness Composition Merricks Heaps Sorites Causal powers |
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