| 释义 |
‖ sorites|səˈraɪtiːz|
[L. sōrītēs, ad. Gr. σωρείτης, f. σωρ-ός a heap.]
1. Logic. ‘A series of propositions, in which the predicate of each is the subject of the next, the conclusion being formed of the first subject and the last predicate’ (Mansel).
In the Goclenian form, ‘the subject of each proposition is the predicate of the next, the conclusion being formed of the last subject and the first predicate’.
1551T. Wilson Logike H iij, We ioyne many causes, and many effectes together, wherof is made an argument, called Sorites. 1588Fraunce Lawiers Log. ii. ix. 99 As of many graynes is made a heape of corne, so of many degrees an argument called Sorites by this enthymematicall progression. 1654Z. Coke Logick 148 Sorites is an imperfect Syllogism [etc.]. 1693Dryden Persius vi. (1697) 296 note, Chrysippus the Stoick invented a kind of Argument, consisting of more than three Propositions; which is call'd Sorites, or a Heap. 1838Sir W. Hamilton Logic xix. (1866) I. 369 The Sorites can be resolved into as many simple syllogisms as there are middle terms between the subject and predicate of the conclusion. 1870Jevons Elem. Logic xviii. 156 The chain of syllogisms commonly called the Sorites.
b. An instance of this type of syllogism. Also as pl. (quot. 1798).
1581J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 223 b, The Logicians that have described the fourme of a Sorites. 1588Fraunce Lawiers Log. ii. ix. 99 A sorites [is] but enthymematicall progression by certain degrees. 1620T. Granger Div. Logike 285 A Syllogisme many wayes cryptike, is a Dilemma, and a Sorites. 1643Sir T. Browne Relig. Med. i. §18 An easie Logick may..with lesse than a Sorites resolve all things into God. 1725Watts Logic iii. ii. §6 A Sorites is when several middle terms are chosen to connect one another successively [etc.]. 1798Edgeworth Pract. Educ. (1811) II. 361 We have seen syllogisms, crocodiles, enthimemas, sorites, &c. explained and tried upon a boy of nine. 1860H. Rogers Ess. III. 277 An ingenious sorites, by which we may at any time dispense with the positive testimony of an historian. 1870K. H. Digby Halcyon Hours 261 No horn'd soritès here would I employ, No captious argument that would annoy.
c. In allusive use.
1711Addison Spect. No. 239 ⁋10 These Disputants convince their Adversaries with a Sorites, commonly called a Pile of Faggots.
2. transf. A series, chain, or accumulation of some thing or things.
1664Power Exp. Philos. iii. 191 Though Democritus his pit be never so deep, yet by a long Sorites of Observations, and chain of Deductions, we may at last fathom it. a1670Hacket Abp. Williams i. xiii. (1693) 11 Such a long Sorites of Sciences and Tongues. 1875M. Collins in F. Collins Lett. & Friendsh. (1877) II. 24 Note this significant fact or sorites of facts.
b. Math. (See quots.)
1880J. J. Sylvester in Coll. Math. Papers (1909) III. 440 Any such determinate representation of a fractional quantity I shall term a sorites. Ibid., The elements of a sorites are analogous to the partial quotients of a regular continued fraction.
3. A sophistical argument turning on the definition of a ‘heap’.
1768–74Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) II. 140 The like attack as was made of old by the Academics and Sceptics against the judgment of the senses, with their sophism of the sorites, or argument of the ‘heap’.
4. A heap, pile.
1871M. Collins Marq. & Merch. III. ix. 230 Such sorites of flaming anthracite may possibly cause cephalalgia.
Hence soˈritic a. [cf. Gr. σωρειτικός], soˈritical.
1656Blount Glossogr., Soritical, pertaining to such an Argument [sc. Sorites]. a1693Urquhart's Rabelais iii. xxxviii. 320 Soritick fool. 1877Blackmore Cripps II. v. 73 Nebules of logic, dialectic fogs, and..the pelting of soritic hail. |