The endless, relentless eruptions of sexual abuse and harassment scandals can sometimes seem like a particularly grim form of Zeno’s dichotomy paradox.
Back in the 5th century B.C., the Greek philosopher described how a runner on the path to a particular destination must first traverse half the distance, and then half the remaining difference, and then half the remaining distance, and so on — to infinity.
By that logic, the runner can take steps toward a goal but will never actually reach it.
Similarly, each time a powerful man is held accountable for sexual misconduct, it seems like progress.
Take the news from the past eight days.
Persons:
Robert Hadden
Organizations:
British, of Surgery, Columbia University
Locations:
England