sorites
[saw-rahy-teez, soh-]
- a form of argument having several premises and one conclusion, capable of being resolved into a chain of syllogisms, the conclusion of each of which is a premise of the next.
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Origin of sorites
1545–55; < Latin sōrītēs < Greek sōreítēs literally, heaped, piled up, derivative of sōrós a heap
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sorites
Historical Examples
The Sorites uses several middle terms by which the predicate of the last proposition is connected with the first subject.
A Logic Of FactsGeorge Jacob Holyoake
Two modes of abbreviating a Polysyllogism, are usually discussed, the Epicheirema and the Sorites.
LogicCarveth Read
Among these logical puzzles are the following: Sorites, the heap trick.
The Works of Lucian of Samosata, v. 4Lucian of Samosata
Now the rest is concluded by a sorites of foure degrees: As yr, is unto yi: so by the 12.
The Way To GeometryPeter Ramus
sorites
- logic
- a polysyllogism in which the premises are arranged so that intermediate conclusions are omitted, being understood, and only the final conclusion is stated
- a paradox of the formthese few grains of sand do not constitute a heap, and the addition of a single grain never makes what is not yet a heap into a heap: so no matter how many single grains one adds it never becomes a heap
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Word Origin
C16: via Latin from Greek sōreitēs, literally: heaped, from sōros a heap
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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