Square circle: Difference between revisions
imported>Larry Sanger (New page: A '''square circle''' would be a shape or object that is ''both'' square ''and'' circular. Philosophers, especially working in philosophy of language and...) |
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A '''square circle''' would be a shape or object that is ''both'' [[square]] ''and'' [[circle|circular]]. [[Philosophy|Philosophers]], especially working in [[philosophy of language]] and [[metaphysics]], use the phrase "square circle" as an example of a ''[[contradiction in terms]],'' that is, a phrase (as opposed to a [[proposition]]), two parts of which describe qualities that cannot both exist in the same thing at the same time. | A '''square circle''' would be a shape or object that is ''both'' [[square]] ''and'' [[circle|circular]]. [[Philosophy|Philosophers]], especially working in [[philosophy of language]] and [[metaphysics]], use the phrase "square circle" as an example of a ''[[contradiction in terms]],'' that is, a phrase (as opposed to a [[proposition]]), two parts of which describe qualities that cannot both exist in the same thing at the same time. | ||
It is also often used as an example of an "impossible object." Probably the most interesting philosophical question about square circles, and other such "impossible objects," is whether they enjoy any sort of existence or being. The 19th century [[German philosophy|German philosopher]], [[Alexius Meinong]], famously held that while such objects obviously do not exist, they nevertheless enjoy a queer sort of "[[being]]." Other philosophers have held that "square circle" is literally [[nonsense]], that is, lacks any significance or meaning. An interesting feature of that position, however, is that it denies significance despite the fact that the words "square" and "circle" do individually have meaning, and we can say what their [[truth condition]]s are (i.e., [[necessary and sufficient conditions]] of their being true). | It is also often used as an example of an "impossible object." Probably the most interesting philosophical question about square circles, and other such "impossible objects," is whether they enjoy any sort of existence or being. The 19th century [[German philosophy|German philosopher]], [[Alexius Meinong]], famously held that while such objects obviously do not exist, they nevertheless enjoy a queer sort of "[[being]]." Other philosophers have held that "square circle" is literally [[nonsense]], that is, lacks any significance or meaning. An interesting feature of that position, however, is that it denies significance despite the fact that the words "square" and "circle" do individually have meaning, and we can say what their [[truth condition]]s are (i.e., [[necessary and sufficient conditions]] of their being true). | ||
Clever schoolboys may point out that a three-dimensional shape may be square on one plane, and circular on an orthogonal plane. To their disappointment, philosophers stipulate that that does not count. | "Clever schoolboys" may point out that a three-dimensional shape may be square on one [[plane]], and circular on an orthogonal plane. To their disappointment, philosophers [[stipulation|stipulate]] that that does not count as a square circle. | ||
Note that this does not have to do with the geometrical problem of [[squaring the circle]], that is, constructing a circle that has the same area as a square using only a compass and straightedge. | Note that this does not have to do with the geometrical problem of [[squaring the circle]], that is, constructing a circle that has the same area as a square using only a [[compass]] and [[straightedge]]. | ||
Revision as of 10:07, 6 May 2009
A square circle would be a shape or object that is both square and circular. Philosophers, especially working in philosophy of language and metaphysics, use the phrase "square circle" as an example of a contradiction in terms, that is, a phrase (as opposed to a proposition), two parts of which describe qualities that cannot both exist in the same thing at the same time.
It is also often used as an example of an "impossible object." Probably the most interesting philosophical question about square circles, and other such "impossible objects," is whether they enjoy any sort of existence or being. The 19th century German philosopher, Alexius Meinong, famously held that while such objects obviously do not exist, they nevertheless enjoy a queer sort of "being." Other philosophers have held that "square circle" is literally nonsense, that is, lacks any significance or meaning. An interesting feature of that position, however, is that it denies significance despite the fact that the words "square" and "circle" do individually have meaning, and we can say what their truth conditions are (i.e., necessary and sufficient conditions of their being true).
"Clever schoolboys" may point out that a three-dimensional shape may be square on one plane, and circular on an orthogonal plane. To their disappointment, philosophers stipulate that that does not count as a square circle.
Note that this does not have to do with the geometrical problem of squaring the circle, that is, constructing a circle that has the same area as a square using only a compass and straightedge.