

Episode 36: Robert van Rooij discusses vagueness
4 snips Jun 15, 2012
In this engaging discussion, Robert van Rooij, Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Language, tackles the intricacies of vagueness in language. He dives into the Sorites paradox, questioning what truly defines someone as 'tall.' The conversation explores the ambiguity of terms like 'bank' and reflects on how vagueness impacts legal definitions and ethical dilemmas. Van Rooij argues that while we may crave precision, the inherent vagueness of language can enhance communication, revealing the complexities of human thought and understanding.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring the Concept of Borderline Cases and Vagueness
02:02 • 1min
Exploring the Pervasiveness of Vagueness in Language
03:18 • 3min
Exploring the Distinction Between Ambiguity and Vagueness
05:55 • 2min
Unraveling Vagueness: The Sorites Paradox
07:56 • 17min
The Power of Vagueness in Communication
24:57 • 7min