School of Names and mental possibilities: Is a white horse a horse?

Abstract

According to the ‘white horse’ paradox, a horse that is white is not a horse: it is a white horse, but not a horse. Though logical arguments can be adduced in support of the proposition, people tend to reject the paradox. Individuals often regard a white horse as a horse and therefore usually ignore the arguments from logic. This paper attempts an explanation of their behaviour. The theory of mental models offers a cognitive explanation for the habitual rejection of the paradox. Within this framework, the key is the way that people reason – a way that does not necessarily coincide with logic.

Keywords

• logic
• mental possibility
• paradox
• theory of mental models
• white horse debate