Paradox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paradox
[หpรฆrษหdษks ]
Definitions
philosophy
A paradox is a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Synonyms
anomaly, contradiction, enigma.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paradox |
A situation or statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may in fact be true. Often used in literature, philosophy, and science to describe situations where two seemingly opposite truths coexist.
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| contradiction |
A situation where two statements or conditions are in direct opposition to each other, making it impossible for both to be true simultaneously. Often used in logical, literary, or rhetorical contexts.
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| anomaly |
A situation or data point that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected, often used in scientific, technical, or analytical discussions.
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| enigma |
Something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or hard to understand. Frequently used to describe complex problems, situations, or people.
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Examples of usage
- The paradox of tolerance states that if a society is tolerant without limit, its ability to be tolerant is eventually seized or destroyed by the intolerant.
- The grandfather paradox is a hypothetical paradox in time travel which a person could go back in time and kill their own grandfather before their mother or father was conceived, thus preventing their own existence.
- Zeno's paradoxes of motion are a set of philosophical problems generally thought to have been devised by Greek philosopher Zeno of Elea to support Parmenides's doctrine that there is no motion.
logic
A statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true premises, leads to an apparently self-contradictory or logically unacceptable conclusion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paradox |
A situation or statement that seems contradictory or against common sense, yet might be true.
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| riddle |
A question or statement intentionally phrased to require clever or unexpected thinking in order to find the answer; often used in games or literature.
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| puzzle |
A problem or enigma that requires thought and effort to solve, often referring to a game or mental challenge.
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| mystery |
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify.
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Examples of usage
- The liar paradox is a classic example of a self-referential paradox, arising from the statement 'This statement is false.'
- Russell's paradox is a famous paradox within set theory that arises when considering a set of all sets that do not contain themselves.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Great writers like Shakespeare and Dostoevsky often used paradoxes to explore complex human emotions.
- In 'The Catcher in the Rye', the protagonist expresses a paradox of wanting both freedom and belonging.
- Poets frequently use paradoxes to create striking images and provoke thought, adding layers to their verses.
Science
- In physics, Schrรถdinger's cat highlights the paradox of a cat being both alive and dead until observed.
- The 'bootstrap paradox' in time travel refers to events where an object or information exists without being created, like a loop.
- Paradoxes in mathematics, such as Russell's paradox, reveal inconsistencies in our understanding of sets.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance is a psychological paradox where conflicting beliefs cause discomfort until resolved.
- The 'paradox of choice' suggests that more options can lead to less satisfaction and more anxiety.
- In therapy, embracing paradoxical intentions may help individuals alleviate fears by facing them directly.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Inception' and 'The Prestige' utilize paradoxes to twist narratives and challenge viewers' perceptions.
- Songs often embrace paradoxes, like 'less is more,' to convey complicated emotions in simple phrases.
- In comic books, characters like Batman embody paradoxes, being a symbol of hope while operating outside the law.
Origin of 'paradox'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'paradoxon,' meaning 'contrary to expectation.'
- It originally referred to statements that went against common opinion or accepted beliefs.
- In philosophy, it began to describe scenarios where truths contradict each other, showcasing deeper insights.
The word 'paradox' originated from the Greek word 'paradoxon,' meaning 'contrary to expectation, incredible.' The concept of paradoxes has been present in various fields such as philosophy, logic, and mathematics throughout history. Philosophers like Zeno of Elea and Heraclitus often used paradoxes to challenge conventional thinking and explore deeper truths. Paradoxes continue to fascinate thinkers and puzzle minds, leading to ongoing debates and discussions about the nature of truth and logic.