# The sorites paradox

- kind: problem
- status: open
- year: -350
- authors: Eubulides of Miletus

**Statement.** If removing one grain never turns a heap into a non-heap, how are there any heaps?

Most words are vague, and classical logic assumes sharp boundaries. Supervaluationism, epistemicism, which holds that sharp boundaries exist but are unknowable, and fuzzy logic each give up something. The paradox matters wherever law or policy must draw a line on a continuum.

Posed 4th century BCE, Eubulides of Miletus.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Sorites paradox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorites_paradox)

[Being and self](/wiki/Space:metaphysics.md) · [Philosophy](/wiki/Continent:philosophy.md)

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