The Nature and Logic of Vagueness

Dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles (2001)
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Abstract

The dissertation considers both metaphysical and logical issues related to the vagueness of natural language. The principle metaphysical claim is that the vagueness of language is, at least in some cases, a direct result of indeterminacy in the subject matter of the language, rather than any sort of flaw of the language. A limited defense of this claim is given, as well as criticism of alternative views. ;A number of logical issues are addressed. First, the relationship between the notion of determinacy and the idea of an unsharp line is considered, and it is suggested that the relationship is not as simple as it may at first seem, and that the idea of the unsharp line may be irreducible. Next, it is urged that there is a methodological fork in the road for the systematic treatment of vague language, including formal semantics. On one path, we accept certain intuitively puzzling propositions, exemplified by "This is red or it is not the case that this is red, though it is indeterminate which." On the other path, we reject classical principles of reasoning in our own reasoning both in and about vague language. Some limited arguments are given for taking the former path, and a formal system relevant to this path is motivated and discussed. Finally, both the metaphysical and logical work of the prior parts of the dissertation are brought to bear on the subject of the indeterminacy of identity

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Paul Hovda
Reed College

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References found in this work

Theories of actuality.Robert Merrihew Adams - 1974 - Noûs 8 (3):211-231.
The Problem of the Many.Peter Unger - 1980 - Midwest Studies in Philosophy 5 (1):411-468.
Singular terms, truth-value gaps, and free logic.Bas C. van Fraassen - 1966 - Journal of Philosophy 63 (17):481-495.
Vague Objects.Michael Tye - 1990 - Mind 99:535.
The Paradox of the heap.Hans Kamp - 1981 - Journal of Symbolic Logic 49 (3):225-277.

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