The Nature of Vagueness

Abstract

In addressing the problem of vagueness we must take pains to begin with an accurate superficial description of the phenomenon to be explained. For there is a danger of importing incorrect theoretical presuppositions into the initial characterization of vagueness and thereby precluding the right account of its underlying nature. Obvious as it is, this methodological point needs to be emphasised, since there is a temptation to start by defining a 'vague' predicate as one which 'lacks sharp boundaries' or, to put it unmetaphorically, as one for which neither the law of excluded middle (LEM) nor the principle of bivalence (BIV) generally applies-so that if Hb is a borderline judgement (i.e. if an object, b, is in the fuzzy area between clearly H and clearly not H), then neither