The paradox of ineffability
International Journal of Philosophy and Theology 78 (3):1-12 (2017)
Abstract
Saying that x is ineffable seems to be paradoxical – either I cannot say anything about x, not even that it is ineffable – or I can say that it is ineffable, but then I can say something and it is not ineffable. In this article, I discuss Alston’s version of the paradox and a solution proposed by Hick which employs the concept of formal and substantial predicates. I reject Hick’s proposal and develop a different account based on some passages from Pseudo-Dionysius’ Mystica Theologia. ‘God is ineffable’ is a metalinguistic statement concerning propositions about God: not all propositions about God are expressible in a human language.
Keywords
Categories
(categorize this paper)
ISBN(s)
PhilPapers/Archive ID
SEBTPO
Upload history
Archival date: 2019-03-21
View other versions
View other versions
Added to PP index
2017-02-08
Total views
129 ( #34,234 of 56,897 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
29 ( #26,794 of 56,897 )
2017-02-08
Total views
129 ( #34,234 of 56,897 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
29 ( #26,794 of 56,897 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.