Comment Re:The correct definition of "paradox" (Score 1) 726
There is discussion among philosophers about what a paradox is, but the best definition I've heard is this: a paradox is an apparently valid argument with apparently true premises and obviously false conclusion.
Since a valid argument is one such that it is logically impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false, this definition of "paradox" helps make it clear why they are puzzling. Each premise really does seem to be true; the argument really does seem to be valid; and the conclusion really does seem to be false.
This definition also has the benefit of making clear the different ways you can attempt to "solve" the paradox: you can deny one of the premises; you can deny that the argument is valid; or you can accept that the conclusion is true. Of course, for the great paradoxes, none of these options is tolerable.
Since a valid argument is one such that it is logically impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false, this definition of "paradox" helps make it clear why they are puzzling. Each premise really does seem to be true; the argument really does seem to be valid; and the conclusion really does seem to be false.
This definition also has the benefit of making clear the different ways you can attempt to "solve" the paradox: you can deny one of the premises; you can deny that the argument is valid; or you can accept that the conclusion is true. Of course, for the great paradoxes, none of these options is tolerable.
