[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.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, H iij. We ioyne many causes, and many effectes together, wherof is made an argument, called Sorites.
1588. Fraunce, 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.
1654. Z. Coke, Logick, 148. Sorites is an imperfect Syllogism [etc.].
1693. Dryden, Persius, VI. (1697), 296, note. Chrysippus the Stoick invented a kind of Argument, consisting of more than three Propositions; which is calld Sorites, or a Heap.
1838. Sir 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.
1870. Jevons, 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).
1581. J. Bell, Haddons Answ. Osor., 223 b. The Logicians that have described the fourme of a Sorites.
1588. Fraunce, Lawiers Log., II. ix. 99. A sorites [is] but enthymematicall progression by certain degrees.
1620. T. Granger, Div. Logike, 285. A Syllogisme many wayes cryptike, is a Dilemma, and a Sorites.
1642. Sir T. Browne, Relig. Med., I. § 18. 35. An easie Logick may with lesse then a Sorites resolve all things into God.
1725. Watts, Logick, III. ii. § 6. 454. A Sorites is when several middle Terms are chosen to connect one another successively [etc.].
1798. Edgeworth, Pract. Educ., II. 673. We have seen syllogisms, crocodiles, enthimemas, sorites, &c. explained and tried upon a boy of nine or ten.
1860. H. Rogers, Ess., III. 277. An ingenious sorites, by which we may at any time dispense with the positive testimony of an historian.
1870. K. H. Digby, Halcyon Hours, 261.
No hornd soritès here would I employ, | |
No captious argument that would annoy. |
c. In allusive use.
1711. Addison, 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.
1664. Power, 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.
a. 1670. Hacket, Abp. Williams, I. xiii. (1693), 11. What shall we say to him that took in hand such a long Sorites of Sciences and Tongues together?
1875. M. Collins, in F. Collins, Lett. & Friendsh. (1877), II. 24. Note this significant fact or sorites of facts.
b. Math. (See quots.)
1880. J. 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.
176874. Tucker, 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.
1871. M. Collins, Mrq. & Merch., III. ix. 230. Such sorites of flaming anthracite may possibly cause cephalalgia.
Hence Soritic a. [Cf. Gr. σωρειτικός], Soritical.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Soritical, pertaining to such an Argument [sc. Sorites].
a. 1693. Urquharts Rabelais, III. xxxviii. 320. Soritick fool.
1877. Blackmore, Cripps, II. v. 73. Nebules of logic, dialectic fogs, and the pelting of soritic hail.