Paradox

Definition

A statement or situation that contradicts itself or seems impossible because it contains two conflicting truths that cannot both be correct simultaneously. Paradoxes challenge logic and reasoning, often used in philosophy, mathematics, and fiction to explore complex ideas.

Example Usage

The statement 'This sentence is false' is a famous paradox that creates logical contradiction.

Origin

From Greek 'paradoxos,' meaning 'contrary to expectation' (para- 'against' + doxa 'opinion').

Fun Fact

Some paradoxes, like the grandfather paradox in time travel, are useful thought experiments that help scientists identify logical flaws in theories.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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