Nonbeing must in some sense be, otherwise what is it that there is not? This tangled doctrine might be nicknamed Plato's beard; historically it has proved tough, frequently dulling the edge of Occam's razor.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The concept of non being creates a logical paradox that challenges simple reasoning.
- In plain terms
- Saying nonbeing exists or does not exist leads to confusing contradictions.
- What can you take from it?
- Some philosophical ideas resist simple solutions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can non being exist?
- What is existence?
Another view
Later theories may resolve these paradoxes.
More from Willard van Orman Quine
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