info prev up next book cdrom email home

Sorites Paradox

Sorites paradoxes are a class of paradoxical arguments also known as little-by-little arguments. The name ``sorites'' derives from the Greek word soros, meaning ``pile'' or ``heap''. Sorites paradoxes are exemplified by the problem that a single grain of wheat does not comprise a heap, nor do two grains of wheat, three grains of wheat, etc. However, at some point, the collection of grains becomes large enough to be called a heap, but there is apparently no definite point where this occurs.

See also Unexpected Hanging Paradox




© 1996-9 Eric W. Weisstein
1999-05-26