Difference between revisions of "Paradox"
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The ancient [[Greek]] Zeno is known for his invention of many paradoxes, the [[Zeno's_paradox|best known]] of which "proves" that a moving object can never reach its destination. | The ancient [[Greek]] Zeno is known for his invention of many paradoxes, the [[Zeno's_paradox|best known]] of which "proves" that a moving object can never reach its destination. | ||
| − | A well known family of paradoxes involve [[self-reference]], such as the statement "this statement is untrue", or the old joke "How do you keep a fool busy? Hand him a card | + | A well known family of paradoxes involve [[self-reference]], such as the statement "this statement is untrue", or the old joke "How do you keep a fool busy? Hand him a card with this question and 'see other side' on both sides". Others involve creative signs (such as one that reads "Keep Left" with an arrow pointing right, or "Reading This Sign Is Forbidden"). |
[[Category:Philosophy]] | [[Category:Philosophy]] | ||
[[Category:Logic]] | [[Category:Logic]] | ||
[[Category:Dictionary]] | [[Category:Dictionary]] | ||
Revision as of 01:58, August 16, 2008
A paradox is a situation or puzzle where choosing an alternative contradicts itself, or contradicts what is obviously true through what appears to be valid assumptions and logic.
The ancient Greek Zeno is known for his invention of many paradoxes, the best known of which "proves" that a moving object can never reach its destination.
A well known family of paradoxes involve self-reference, such as the statement "this statement is untrue", or the old joke "How do you keep a fool busy? Hand him a card with this question and 'see other side' on both sides". Others involve creative signs (such as one that reads "Keep Left" with an arrow pointing right, or "Reading This Sign Is Forbidden").