Argument Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“Our argument is not flatly circular, but something like it. It has the form, figuratively speaking, of a closed curve in space.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Language, Harvard University, 1970
The argument loops back on itself, resembling a closed spatial curve, implying self-reference without simple circularity.
In simple terms: Argument is self-referential, not plainly circular.
Key Takeaway
Identify hidden self-references in reasoning.
Themes
logic
philosophy
self-reference
argumentation
circularity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- critical essays
- debate prep
- theoretical research
- academic writing
Key Concepts
Quine paradox
closed curve analogy
foundational analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self-reference affect validity?
- When is a loop acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Self-referential arguments can be misleading.
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
