A paradox is something that arises when a statement or set of linked statements contradict themselves or each other. For example, the statement “I always lie”: if it’s true, it must be false. Philosophers love paradoxes – and one of their favourites is the Paradox of the Heap.This paradox – also called the sorites paradox – rest on two premises, that go a little bit like this:
Premise 1: A heap of sand is comprised of a large collection of grains.
Premise 2: Take a grain of sand away from a heap and it's still a heap.
Both of those statements seem reasonable, right? Sure, but repeated application of Premise 2 eventually leads to the conclusion that a heap of sand may be composed of just one grain of sand. But this violates Premise 1. And therein lies the paradox.
So what's the solution? Well, there are a range of possible solutions, actually – philosophers have been hammering this one out for a while. But we’d like to hear YOUR take on it. What would your solution be to this paradox?
Let us know by Friday 3 October and you could win a HIP2B2 Bass on Tap. So warm up the old noggin and tackle those grains with all you’ve got – and good luck!
