Random article ( of 1042 ) Latest updates

User Tools

Site Tools


content:philosophy:liar_paradox

Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of Unknowns Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of the Unknown

The Liar Paradox

The Liar Paradox is a logic problem that goes back (at least) as far as the Ancient Greeks.

Example :

A known liar, who never tells the truth, says "I am lying". If he is, as usual, lying, then his statement is false - meaning that he's telling the truth. Leading to a seemingly unsolvable paradoxical situation.

Another (famous) example of a similar paradox is "This statement is false"

Many modern-day philosophers have attempted to unravel the paradox, notably, Alfred Tarski, Arthur Prior, Saul Kripke, Jon Barwise, John Etchemendy, Graham Priest and Andrew Irvine.

Although some - e.g. Bertrand Russell - have pointed to the inherent 'vagueness' of language used to define and state the paradox :

Alfred Tarski showed that by using a vagueness-free formal language he could produce the Liar Paradox.

Source : The Internet Encylopedia of Philosphy

It's now generally accepted that there are ways out of the paradox - but philosophers can't agree on which is the appropriate solution.


Show another (random) article

Suggestions for corrections and ideas for articles are welcomed : Get in touch!


Further resources :

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!

DOKUWIKI IMPLEMENTATION DESIGN BY UNIV.ORG.UK MARCH 2024