|
||
Definition:
The term paradox comes from the Greek paradoxos, which means "conflicting
with expectation" and refers to some idea which has the appearance of being
logically true, but which is in fact so absurd that it cannot possibly be true.
Because a paradox is derived validly from its premises, this means that at least one
of the premises is incorrect and must be abandoned.
Paradoxes are effective tools for demonstrating that some commonly assumed idea does not necessarily deserve our unquestioning adherence. This process is similar to the use of reductio ad absurdum, which involves taking some premise to a logical conclusion that is shown to be absurd.
Also Known As: antinomy, contradiction
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
