Sorites paradox facts for kids
Sorites paradox (also called Paradox of the heap) is a paradox that arises when unclear terms are used. The name of the paradox is related to the Greek word for heap ('soros'). There are different versions, but a typical one involves a heap of sand. The heap is made of many grains of sand. So if one grain is removed, the structure will still be a heap. This process can be repeated, until only one grain of sand is left. Since the heap never changed to a non-heap, this grain of sand is still a heap.
The paradox works the other way as well. If one begins with one grain of sand and adds another, and then another; when do the grains of sand become a heap?
Images for kids
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The sorites paradox: If a heap is reduced by a single grain at a time, the question is: at what exact point does it cease to be considered a heap?
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Color gradient illustrating a sorites paradox, any adjacent colors being indistinguishable by the human eye.
See also
In Spanish: Paradoja sorites para niños
