A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself or a situation which seems to defy logic. Thats a simple definition of paradox. Often premises can be proven false which rectifies the contradiction. Sometimes they are just play on words, however, some paradoxes still dont have universally accepted resolutions. On this page you can find several good paradox examples to tease your mind. Paradox Examples 1. LIAR PARADOX (EPIMENIDES PARADOX) This is a well known paradox written by the great stoical logician Chrysippos. The poet, grammarian and critic Philetus of Cos was said to have died of exhaustion attempting to resolve it. 1. A Cretan sails to Greece and says to some Greek men who are standing upon the shore: All Cretans are liars. Did he speak the truth, or did he lie? 2. A week later, the Cretan sailed to Greece again and said: All Cretans are liars and all I say is the truth. Although the Greeks on the shore werent aware of what he had said the first time, they were truly puzzled. If someone says I always lie, are they telling the truth? Or are they lying? Discuss this paradox 2. DOUBLE LIAR PARADOX (JOURDAINS PARADOX) This version of a famous paradox was presented by English mathematician P. E. B. Jourdain in 1913. The following is written on opposite sides of a card: Back side: THE SENTENCE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS CARD IS TRUE. Face side: THE SENTENCE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS CARD IS FALSE. Discuss this paradox 3. BARBER PARADOX (RUSSELLS PARADOX) Analogue paradox to the liar paradox formulated by English logician, philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell. In a village, the barber shaves everyone who does not shave himself/herself, but no one else. Who shaves the barber? Discuss this paradox 4. LAZY-BONES PARADOX If destiny designed a master plan which defines everything that is to happen, isnt it useless, for example, to go to a doctor? If I am ill and it is my destiny to regain health, then I will regain health whether I visit a doctor or not. If it is my destiny to not regain my health, then seeing a doctor cant help me. How could you question the presented opinion? Discuss this paradox My Favorite Sophisms 1. CROCODILE SOPHISM A slim crocodile living in the Nile took a child. His mother begged to have him back. The crocodile could not only talk, but was also a great sophist and stated, If you guess correctly what I will do with him, I will return him. However, if you dont predict his fate correctly, Ill eat him. What statement should the mother make to save her child? Discuss this sophism 2. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GIVE WHAT WE DONT HAVE? Sophist: Yes, greedy man gives his cash with sorrow. However, he doesnt have the cash with sorrow, so he gives what he doesnt have. Discuss this sophism 3. WHAT IS BETTER - ETERNAL BLISS OR A SIMPLE BREAD? What is better than eternal bliss? Nothing. But a slice of bread is better than nothing. So a slice of bread is better than eternal bliss. Discuss this sophism
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 23:17:44 +0000
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