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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 335-340 |
Journal | Philosophia |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2009 |
Keywords
- Metaphysics
- Vagueness
- Restricted composition
- Existence
- Vagueness argument