Boundless Paradox:
a discussion of Heraclitus, Anaximander and Gorgias
ABSTRACT
In this paper I approach several Presocratic thinkers from the perspective
of recent work in the cognitive science of metaphor and cross-modal psychology.
I move from a consideration of
paradoxes to an exploration of boundaries and limits in my discussion
of Anaximander. Anaximander held that the cosmos was constituted by
apeiron, or the boundless material. In a series of thought experiments,
I try to imagine what Anaximander's boundless might be by first asking what
boundaries are. Then, following out Mark Johnson's hypothesis that
rationality is embodied, I ask what a metaphorical projection of the
boundless might be for philosophy, and I arrive at aletheia, or truth.
Next, I ask what Heraclitus thinks the logos (logic, rationality) is,
and I argue he thinks it is of a boundless character. Returning to
paradox, I argue that Heraclitus believes that the boundless character
of the logos is best brought out by performing the sort of thought
experiments that paradoxes require of us. In short, I argue that an
aletheic thought can't be expressed in purely expository prose, but
by choosing the right mode of inquiry (i.e., paradox) one can get
the thought to reproduce itself in another mind. Further, I explain
how metaphorical reasoning is the key to unlocking Heraclitus'
paradoxes. Then, I move to the rhetorician Gorgias, who produces
arguments against established doctrine for his own amusement.
I explain why offering such heresies is paradoxical, and extract
the conclusion that Gorgias is actually posing a question about
how far rhetoric and argumentation can be pushed in pursuit of
aletheia (truth). I conclude by arguing that solving paradoxes is a
metaphorical representation of the process of inquiry into truth.
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(c) 1994 Tim Rohrer,
Department of Philosophy,
University of Oregon,
Eugene, Oregon 97402
rohrer@darkwing.uoregon.edu