third man argument: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “third man argument” mean?
A philosophical argument stating that an infinite regress of explanations or causes must ultimately rely on a first, uncaused cause or a self-explanatory principle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical argument stating that an infinite regress of explanations or causes must ultimately rely on a first, uncaused cause or a self-explanatory principle.
More generally, a logical or rhetorical device used to critique infinite chains of justification or causation by positing the necessity of a fundamental starting point that requires no further explanation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or structural differences. Usage is identical in academic contexts.
Connotations
Primarily associated with Western analytical philosophy. In British academic contexts, it may be discussed in relation to Aristotelian or Thomist philosophy; in American contexts, it is also common in discussions of cosmological arguments.
Frequency
Exclusively found in specialist philosophical literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “third man argument” in a Sentence
The [author] uses the third man argument to demonstrate [conclusion].A [concept/model/theory] is vulnerable to the third man argument.One might object via the third man argument that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third man argument” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theory was third-manned by its critics.
- He attempted to third-man the entire epistemological framework.
American English
- She third-manned his proposal by pointing out the infinite regress.
- Their model doesn't third-man easily.
adverb
British English
- He argued third-manly against the infinite series.
- The objection was framed third-manly.
American English
- She replied third-manly, focusing on the need for a first cause.
- He thought about the problem third-manly.
adjective
British English
- It was a third-man critique.
- He made a third-man style objection.
American English
- She offered a third-man take on the issue.
- That's a classic third-man problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, and theoretical cosmology to critique theories with infinite explanatory chains.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in formal logic and analytic philosophy as a specific type of reductio ad absurdum.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third man argument”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third man argument”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third man argument”
- Writing 'third-man argument' (with a hyphen) – the standard form is without a hyphen.
- Using it to refer to any argument involving three people.
- Confusing it with the 'Third Man Factor' in survival psychology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it does not directly prove God's existence. It is a logical structure arguing against infinite regress. Some use it as part of a cosmological argument for a first cause, which theists may identify as God, but the argument itself is a logical tool, not a theological proof.
The argument has ancient roots. Aristotle used a version of it against Plato's Theory of Forms. The specific name and modern formulation are often attributed to later philosophers analyzing Aristotle's work.
No, but it is closely related. The third man argument is a specific logical objection to infinite regress. The cosmological argument (e.g., the Kalam argument) is a broader family of arguments for a first cause of the universe, which often incorporates or must defend against the third man argument.
Yes, it can be applied in debates about the origin of the universe, the foundations of mathematics, or the justification of scientific laws. For example, asking 'What caused the Big Bang?' or 'Why do the laws of physics hold?' can lead to third-man-style inquiries about ultimate explanations.
A philosophical argument stating that an infinite regress of explanations or causes must ultimately rely on a first, uncaused cause or a self-explanatory principle.
Third man argument is usually formal, academic in register.
Third man argument: in British English it is pronounced /θɜːd mæn ˈɑːɡjʊmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /θɜrd mæn ˈɑːrɡjʊmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To pull the third man”
- “To play the third man card”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a line of dominoes falling forever. The 'Third Man Argument' asks: 'Who pushed the *first* domino?' That first pusher is the necessary starting point.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPLANATION IS A CHAIN; A CHAIN NEEDS A FIRST LINK.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the 'third man argument' primarily used?