Research
Towards a Humean Solution of Vagueness in Language and Ontology
Author:
Matthew Hernandez
Portland State University, US
Abstract
This paper explores how a Humean may respond to issues of vagueness in philosophy of language—and in extension—ontology. It begins with an examination of the sorites paradox and two common responses: epistemicism, and eliminativism. I then turn to David Hume’s conception of abstract ideas as a way to determine how vague terms refer and then compare this view to both epistemicism and eliminativism. The paper ends with a defense of the Humean view as a synthesis of the two, which ultimately questions the formulation of the sorites paradox as a proper use of language.
How to Cite:
Hernandez, M., 2014. Towards a Humean Solution of Vagueness in Language and Ontology. International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, 5(1), pp.8 (49–60). DOI: http://doi.org/10.7710/2155-4838.1100
Published on
04 Jun 2014.
Peer Reviewed
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