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Article Abstract
Title

Dodgson's Methods of Solving Sorites Problems: An Investigation and a Newly Discovered Process

Author

Mark R. Richards

Published

The Carrollian - Issue 6 (Autumn 2000), pages 35-40

Abstract

By examining certain unpublished manuscripts on symbolic logic it can be seen that Dodgson had methods of solving sorites problems other than those published in Symbolic Logic - Part I and those destined for Symbolic Logic - Parts II and III.

It appears that Dodgson developed a series of methods of solving problems, of increasing ingenuity - each capable of handling more complex situations than the previous. It is likely that, having developed a method, he attempted to construct problems which could not be solved by it, leading him to construct a further method.

The article describes the methods in non-technical language, but does not demonstrate the processes in detail. A single page manuscript showing Dodgson's attempt to solve an unknown problem by a hitherto undescribed method is reproduced in facsimile. 

 
 
The Carrollian, ISSN: 1462-6519 ~ Published by The Lewis Carroll Society ~ Registered Charity No. 266239