ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G03-017

Boundary

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

A boundary here concerns the conditions under which an expression applies. In the sorites problem, individually small changes seem insignificant, yet their accumulation connects clear starting and ending cases. This entry assumes neither an unknown sharp threshold nor that every boundary is arbitrary. Different theories interpret borderline cases differently. The conceptual movement therefore separates application practices, knowledge of boundaries and philosophical assumptions.

Movement of thought

1. Collect clear cases of application. 2. Construct a sequence of small changes. 3. Identify uncertain intermediate cases. 4. Separate epistemic and semantic questions. 5. State an account together with its assumptions.

Example

Along a gradient from clearly blue to clearly green, neighbouring samples may look very similar although the endpoints receive different labels.

Counter-test

An explicitly stipulated technical threshold does not establish the same boundary in ordinary usage.

Scientific use case

Judgement studies can vary context, comparison set and presentation order without presenting their results as a direct solution to sorites.

Effect

Borderline cases reveal both the reach and limitations of classification.

Resonance

Language can hesitate between clear poles without losing all its orienting value.

Distinction

Distinguish vagueness from ambiguity, measurement uncertainty and stipulated classification.

Sources