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| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Truth and Paradox Tim Maudlin, 2004-05-13 Consider the sentence 'This sentence is not true'. Certain notorious paradoxes like this have bedevilled philosophical theories of truth. Tim Maudlin presents an original account of logic and semantics which deals with these paradoxes, and allows him to set out a new theory of truth-values and the norms governing claims about truth. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Saving Truth From Paradox Hartry Field, 2008-03-06 Saving Truth from Paradox is an ambitious investigation into paradoxes of truth and related issues, with occasional forays into notions such as vagueness, the nature of validity, and the Gödel incompleteness theorems. Hartry Field presents a new approach to the paradoxes and provides a systematic and detailed account of the main competing approaches. Part One examines Tarski's, Kripke’s, and Lukasiewicz’s theories of truth, and discusses validity and soundness, and vagueness. Part Two considers a wide range of attempts to resolve the paradoxes within classical logic. In Part Three Field turns to non-classical theories of truth that that restrict excluded middle. He shows that there are theories of this sort in which the conditionals obey many of the classical laws, and that all the semantic paradoxes (not just the simplest ones) can be handled consistently with the naive theory of truth. In Part Four, these theories are extended to the property-theoretic paradoxes and to various other paradoxes, and some issues about the understanding of the notion of validity are addressed. Extended paradoxes, involving the notion of determinate truth, are treated very thoroughly, and a number of different arguments that the theories lead to revenge problems are addressed. Finally, Part Five deals with dialetheic approaches to the paradoxes: approaches which, instead of restricting excluded middle, accept certain contradictions but alter classical logic so as to keep them confined to a relatively remote part of the language. Advocates of dialetheic theories have argued them to be better than theories that restrict excluded middle, for instance over issues related to the incompleteness theorems and in avoiding revenge problems. Field argues that dialetheists’ claims on behalf of their theories are quite unfounded, and indeed that on some of these issues all current versions of dialetheism do substantially worse than the best theories that restrict excluded middle. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Yablo Paradox Roy T. Cook, 2014 Roy T. Cook examines the Yablo paradox--a paradoxical, infinite sequence of sentences, each of which entails the falsity of all others later than it in the sequence--with special attention paid to the idea that this paradox provides us with a semantic paradox that involves no circularity. The three main chapters of the book focus, respectively, on three questions that can be (and have been) asked about the Yablo construction. First we have the Characterization Problem, which asks what patterns of sentential reference (circular or not) generate semantic paradoxes. Addressing this problem requires an interesting and fruitful detour through the theory of directed graphs, allowing us to draw interesting connections between philosophical problems and purely mathematical ones. Next is the Circularity Question, which addresses whether or not the Yablo paradox is genuinely non-circular. Answering this question is complicated: although the original formulation of the Yablo paradox is circular, it turns out that it is not circular in any sense that can bear the blame for the paradox. Further, formulations of the paradox using infinitary conjunction provide genuinely non-circular constructions. Finally, Cook turns his attention to the Generalizability Question: can the Yabloesque pattern be used to generate genuinely non-circular variants of other paradoxes, such as epistemic and set-theoretic paradoxes? Cook argues that although there are general constructions-unwindings--that transform circular constructions into Yablo-like sequences, it turns out that these sorts of constructions are not 'well-behaved' when transferred from semantic puzzles to puzzles of other sorts. He concludes with a short discussion of the connections between the Yablo paradox and the Curry paradox. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Liar Jon Barwise, John Etchemendy, 1987 Bringing together powerful new tools from set theory and the philosophy of language, this book proposes a solution to one of the few unresolved paradoxes from antiquity, the Paradox of the Liar. Barwise and Etchemendy model and compare Russellian and Austinian conceptions of propositions, and develop a range of model-theoretic techniques--based on Aczel's work--that open up new avenues in logical and formal semantics. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Universality and the Liar Keith Simmons, 1993-07-30 This book is about one of the most baffling of all paradoxes--the famous Liar paradox. Suppose we say: We are lying now. Then if we are lying, we are telling the truth; and if we are telling the truth we are lying. This paradox is more than an intriguing puzzle, since it involves the concept of truth. Thus any coherent theory of truth must deal with the Liar. Keith Simmons discusses the solutions proposed by medieval philosophers and offers his own solutions and in the process assesses other contemporary attempts to solve the paradox. Unlike such attempts, Simmons' singularity solution does not abandon classical semantics and does not appeal to the kind of hierarchical view found in Barwise's and Etchemendy's The Liar. Moreover, Simmons' solution resolves the vexing problem of semantic universality--the problem of whether there are semantic concepts beyond the expressive reach of a natural language such as English. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Logic and How it Gets That Way Dale Jacquette, 2014-09-19 In this challenging and provocative analysis, Dale Jacquette argues that contemporary philosophy labours under a number of historically inherited delusions about the nature of logic and the philosophical significance of certain formal properties of specific types of logical constructions. Exposing some of the key misconceptions about formal symbolic logic and its relation to thought, language and the world, Jacquette clears the ground of some very well-entrenched philosophical doctrines about the nature of logic, including some of the most fundamental seldom-questioned parts of elementary propositional and predicate-quantificational logic. Having presented difficulties for conventional ways of thinking about truth functionality, the metaphysics of reference and predication, the role of a concept of truth in a theory of meaning, among others, Jacquette proceeds to reshape the network of ideas about traditional logic that philosophy has acquired along with modern logic itself. In so doing Jacquette is able to offer a new perspective on a number of existing problems in logic and philosophy of logic. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Formal Theories of Truth J. C. Beall, Michael Glanzberg, David Ripley, 2018 Truth is one of the oldest and most central topics in philosophy. Formal theories explore the connections between truth and logic, and they address truth-theoretic paradoxes such as the Liar. Three leading philosopher-logicians now present a concise overview of the main issues and ideas in formal theories of truth. Beall, Glanzberg, and Ripley explain key logical techniques on which such formal theories rely, providing the formal and logical background needed to develop formal theories of truth. They examine the most important truth-theoretic paradoxes, including the Liar paradoxes. They explore approaches that keep principles of truth simple while relying on nonclassical logic; approaches that preserve classical logic but do so by complicating the principles of truth; and approaches based on substructural logics that change the shape of the target consequence relation itself. Finally, inconsistency and revision theories are reviewed, and contrasted with the approaches previously discussed. For any reader who has a basic grounding in logic, this book offers an ideal guide to formal theories of truth. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: In Contradiction Graham Priest, 2006-02-16 Priest advocates and defends the view that there are true contradictions (dialetheism), a perspective that flies in the face of orthodoxy in Western philosophy since Aristole and remains at the centre of philosophical debate. This edition contains the author's reflections on developments since 1987. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Contradiction Effect Principles Glen Perslow, AI, 2025-02-27 Contradiction Effect Principles explores the surprising power of mixed messages in today's communication landscape. The book delves into why contradictory information often captures more attention than straightforward messages, particularly in marketing, political messaging, and social media. It reveals that our inherent desire to resolve cognitive dissonance, the discomfort of holding conflicting ideas, drives us to engage more deeply with these messages. The book also highlights how contradiction disrupts established thought patterns, demanding more cognitive processing and potentially fostering a sense of authenticity. The book begins by establishing a theoretical framework rooted in cognitive science and progresses by examining the psychology of cognitive dissonance and its practical applications. Case studies and examples throughout demonstrate how contradiction is leveraged in various fields, from political discourse to social media campaigns. By understanding attention allocation, cognitive biases, and schema theory, readers will discover how strategically deployed contradiction can be a valuable tool for enhancing audience engagement and creative problem-solving, while also considering the ethical implications. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Spandrels of Truth Jc Beall, 2011-04-07 Among the various conceptions of truth is one according to which 'is true' is a transparent, entirely see-through device introduced for only practical (expressive) reasons. This device, when introduced into the language, brings about truth-theoretic paradoxes (particularly, the notorious Liar and Curry paradoxes). The options for dealing with the paradoxes while preserving the full transparency of 'true' are limited. In Spandrels of Truth, Beall concisely presents and defends a modest, so-called dialetheic theory of transparent truth. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Revenge of the Liar JC Beall, 2007-12-13 The Liar paradox raises foundational questions about logic, language, and truth (and semantic notions in general). A simple Liar sentence like 'This sentence is false' appears to be both true and false if it is either true or false. For if the sentence is true, then what it says is the case; but what it says is that it is false, hence it must be false. On the other hand, if the statement is false, then it is true, since it says (only) that it is false. How, then, should we classify Liar sentences? Are they true or false? A natural suggestion would be that Liars are neither true nor false; that is, they fall into a category beyond truth and falsity. This solution might resolve the initial problem, but it beckons the Liar's revenge. A sentence that says of itself only that it is false or beyond truth and falsity will, in effect, bring back the initial problem. The Liar's revenge is a witness to the hydra-like nature of Liars: in dealing with one Liar you often bring about another. JC Beall presents fourteen new essays and an extensive introduction, which examine the nature of the Liar paradox and its resistance to any attempt to solve it. Written by some of the world's leading experts in the field, the papers in this volume will be an important resource for those working in truth studies, philosophical logic, and philosophy of language, as well as those with an interest in formal semantics and metaphysics. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Mind-Bending Paradoxes Daniel Zaborowski, The e-book Mind-Bending Paradoxes: 50 Puzzles to Challenge Your Thinking is a comprehensive exploration of paradoxes from different fields of study. The e-book delves into logical paradoxes such as the Liar Paradox, Russell's Paradox, and the Barber Paradox, physical paradoxes like the Heat Death Paradox, and philosophical paradoxes like the Euthyphro Dilemma and the Paradox of the Knower. Additionally, the e-book covers famous paradoxes like the Ship of Theseus, the Trolley Problem, and the Monty Hall Paradox. Throughout the e-book, the reader is presented with a variety of solutions and perspectives for each Paradox which helps to deepen the understanding of these complex problems. The e-book also provides discussion questions and exercises for each paradox to encourage critical thinking and analysis. The e-book aims to provide valuable insights into the limits of human understanding and knowledge and to question the reader's beliefs and challenge their understanding of the world around them. The book concludes with a thank you note to the reader for their engagement and support and encourages them to continue exploring the world of paradoxes and other philosophical, logical, and physical concepts in the future. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Paradoxes from A to Z Michael Clark, 2002 'This sentence is false'. Is it? If a hotel with an infinite number of rooms is fully occupied, can it still accommodate a new guest? How can we have emotional responses to fiction, when we know that the objects of our emotions do not exist? |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Outer Limits of Reason Noson S. Yanofsky, 2013-08-23 This exploration of the scientific limits of knowledge challenges our deep-seated beliefs about our universe, our rationality, and ourselves. “A must-read for anyone studying information science.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Many books explain what is known about the universe. This book investigates what cannot be known. Rather than exploring the amazing facts that science, mathematics, and reason have revealed to us, this work studies what science, mathematics, and reason tell us cannot be revealed. In The Outer Limits of Reason, Noson Yanofsky considers what cannot be predicted, described, or known, and what will never be understood. He discusses the limitations of computers, physics, logic, and our own intuitions about the world—including our ideas about space, time, and motion, and the complex relationship between the knower and the known. Yanofsky describes simple tasks that would take computers trillions of centuries to complete and other problems that computers can never solve: • perfectly formed English sentences that make no sense • different levels of infinity • the bizarre world of the quantum • the relevance of relativity theory • the causes of chaos theory • math problems that cannot be solved by normal means • statements that are true but cannot be proven Moving from the concrete to the abstract, from problems of everyday language to straightforward philosophical questions to the formalities of physics and mathematics, Yanofsky demonstrates a myriad of unsolvable problems and paradoxes. Exploring the various limitations of our knowledge, he shows that many of these limitations have a similar pattern and that by investigating these patterns, we can better understand the structure and limitations of reason itself. Yanofsky even attempts to look beyond the borders of reason to see what, if anything, is out there. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Paradoxes R. M. Sainsbury, 2009-02-19 A paradox can be defined as an unacceptable conclusion derived by apparently acceptable reasoning from apparently acceptable premises. Many paradoxes raise serious philosophical problems, and they are associated with crises of thought and revolutionary advances. The expanded and revised third edition of this intriguing book considers a range of knotty paradoxes including Zeno's paradoxical claim that the runner can never overtake the tortoise, a new chapter on paradoxes about morals, paradoxes about belief, and hardest of all, paradoxes about truth. The discussion uses a minimum of technicality but also grapples with complicated and difficult considerations, and is accompanied by helpful questions designed to engage the reader with the arguments. The result is not only an explanation of paradoxes but also an excellent introduction to philosophical thinking. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Oppositions and Paradoxes John L. Bell, 2016-04-18 Since antiquity, opposed concepts such as the One and the Many, the Finite and the Infinite, and the Absolute and the Relative, have been a driving force in philosophical, scientific, and mathematical thought. Yet they have also given rise to perplexing problems and conceptual paradoxes which continue to haunt scientists and philosophers. In Oppositions and Paradoxes, John L. Bell explains and investigates the paradoxes and puzzles that arise out of conceptual oppositions in physics and mathematics. In the process, Bell not only motivates abstract conceptual thinking about the paradoxes at issue, but he also offers a compelling introduction to central ideas in such otherwise-difficult topics as non-Euclidean geometry, relativity, and quantum physics. These paradoxes are often as fun as they are flabbergasting. Consider, for example, the famous Tristram Shandy paradox: an immortal man composing an autobiography so slowly as to require a year of writing to describe each day of his life — he would, if he had infinite time, presumably never complete the work, although no individual part of it would remain unwritten. Or think of an office mailbox labelled “mail for those with no mailbox”—if this is a person’s mailbox, how can they possibly have “no mailbox”? These and many other paradoxes straddle the boundary between physics and metaphysics, and demonstrate the hidden difficulty in many of our most basic concepts. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Replacing Truth Kevin Scharp, 2013-07-11 Kevin Scharp proposes an original account of the nature and logic of truth, on which truth is an inconsistent concept that should be replaced for certain theoretical purposes. He argues that truth is best understood as an inconsistent concept; develops an axiomatic theory of truth; and offers a new kind of possible-worlds semantics for this theory. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Enigmatic Realm: Mind-Bending Puzzles to Challenge Your Intellect Pasquale De Marco, 2025-04-08 Prepare to embark on an intellectual odyssey with The Enigmatic Realm: Mind-Bending Puzzles to Challenge Your Intellect, a captivating collection of brain-teasing puzzles designed to ignite your curiosity, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and provide endless hours of mental stimulation. Within these pages, you will find a diverse array of puzzles meticulously crafted to engage and entertain puzzle enthusiasts of all levels. From the intricate labyrinths of logic to the enigmatic realm of riddles, from the tangled twists of visual illusions to the cryptographic conundrums that beckon for decipherment, this book offers an intellectual playground where your cognitive abilities will be tested and your problem-solving prowess will be put to the ultimate test. As you delve into the chapters that lie ahead, you will encounter a tapestry of puzzles designed to challenge your deductive reasoning, lateral thinking skills, and visual perception. Unravel enigmatic syllogisms, navigate conditional conundrums, and conquer abductive challenges that will push the limits of your logical prowess. Decipher cryptic crosswords, unravel anagrammatic enigmas, and conquer lateral thinking puzzles that demand a fresh perspective and unconventional approaches. Prepare to unravel the mysteries of knotty string puzzles, navigate perplexing mazes, and escape the confines of intricately designed room enigmas. Tackle mathematical conundrums, conquer Sudoku and KenKen challenges, and master logic grid puzzles that will put your numerical reasoning abilities to the test. Challenge your visual perception with optical illusions, impossible objects, and ambiguous figures that will play tricks on your mind and defy your expectations. Immerse yourself in the world of cryptographic conundrums, where you will crack substitution ciphers, decipher transposition ciphers, and conquer polyalphabetic ciphers that conceal hidden messages waiting to be revealed. Explore the realm of lateral thinking enigmas, where insight puzzles, word association challenges, and riddles will demand unconventional thinking and a willingness to challenge established norms. With each puzzle you solve, you will not only sharpen your cognitive skills but also embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering hidden depths of your intellect and unlocking the boundless potential of your mind. The Enigmatic Realm is more than just a book of puzzles; it is an invitation to embark on an intellectual adventure that will leave you invigorated, enlightened, and eager for more. If you like this book, write a review! |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Liars' Paradox Taylor Stevens, 2019-01-01 A master of international intrigue, New York Times bestselling author Taylor Stevens introduces a pair of wild cards into the global spy game—a brother and sister who were raised to deceive—and trained to kill . . . They live in the shadows, Jack and Jill, feuding twins who can never stop running. From earliest memory they’ve been taught to hide, to hunt, to survive. Their prowess is outdone only by Clare, who has always been mentor first and mother second. She trained them in the art of espionage, tested their skills in weaponry, surveillance, and sabotage, and sharpened their minds with nerve-wracking psychological games. As they grew older they came to question her motives, her methods—and her sanity . . . Now twenty-six years old, the twins are trying to lead normal lives. But when Clare’s off-the-grid safehouse explodes and she goes missing, they’re forced to believe the unthinkable: Their mother’s paranoid delusions have been real all along. To find her, they’ll need to set aside their differences; to survive, they’ll have to draw on every skill she’s trained them to use. A twisted trail leads from the CIA, to the KGB, to an underground network of global assassins where hunters become the hunted. Everyone, it seems, wants them dead—and, for one of the twins, it’s a threat that’s frighteningly familiar and dangerously close to home . . . Filled with explosive action, suspense, and powerful human drama, Liars’ Paradox is world-class intrigue at its finest. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Post-Continental Philosophy John Mullarkey, 2006-01-01 Post-Continental Philosophy outlines the shift in Continental thought over the last 20 years through the work of four central figures: Gilles Deleuze, Alain Badiou, Michel Henry, and François Laruelle. Though they follow seemingly different methodologies and agendas, each insists on the need for a return to the category of immanence if philosophy is to have any future at all. Rejecting both the German phenomenological tradition of transcendence (of the Ego, Being, Consciousness, Alterity, or Flesh), as well as the French Structuralist valorisation of Language, they instead take the immanent categories of biology (Deleuze), mathematics (Badiou), affectivity (Henry), and axiomatic science (Laruelle) as focal points for a renewal of thought. Consequently, Continental philosophy is taken in a new direction that engages science and nature with a refreshingly critical and non-reductive approach to life, set-theory, embodiment, and knowledge. However, each of these new philosophies of immanence still regards what the other is doing as transcendent representation, raising the question of what this return to immanence really means. John Mullarkey's analysis provides a startling answer. By teasing out their internal differences, he discovers that the only thing that can be said of immanence without falling back into transcendent representation seems not to be a saying at all but a 'showing', a depiction through lines. Because each of these philosophies also places a special value on the diagram, the common ground of immanence is that occupied by the philosophical diagram rather than the word. The heavily illustrated final chapter of the book literally outlines how a mode of philosophical discourse might proceed when using diagrams to think immanence. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Revision Theory of Truth Anil Gupta, Nuel D. Belnap, 1993 In this rigorous investigation into the logic of truth Anil Gupta and Nuel Belnap explain how the concept of truth works in both ordinary and pathological contexts. The latter include, for instance, contexts that generate Liar Paradox. Their central claim is that truth is a circular concept. In support of this claim they provide a widely applicable theory (the revision theory) of circular concepts. Under the revision theory, when truth is seen as circular both its ordinary features and its pathological features fall into a simple understandable pattern. The Revision Theory of Truth is unique in placing truth in the context of a general theory of definitions. This theory makes sense of arbitrary systems of mutually interdependent concepts, of which circular concepts, such as truth, are but a special case. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Sense, Reference, and Philosophy Jerrold J. Katz, 2004 In Sense, Reference, and Philosophy, Katz provides a modern interpretation of the insights of philosophers like Descartes, Kant, Locke, Mill, and G. E. Moore and thereby resets the agenda for current analytic philosophy. The scope and rigor of this book will make it of interest to a broad range of philosophers.--BOOK JACKET. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: This Sentence is False Peter Cave, 2009-07-12 An entertaining introduction to logic and reasoning, packed with puzzles and thought experiments for the reader to try Peter Cave takes us on an edifying tour through the world of paradoxes, and there is much to be learned, as well as much enjoyment to be had, in the process. -Adrian W. Moore, University of Oxford, UK 'This sentence is false' is a sentence printed on the cover of this book. A sentence is not a name. So what is the name of the book? This book (whatever its name) is full of intriguing philosophical puzzles ... Paradoxes may seem trivial at first glance, but further thought reveals them to be challenges to some of our most fundamental beliefs and preconceptions. Peter Cave entertainingly escorts the reader through a great variety of these fascinating puzzles, shining light that is fresh and bright. -Laurence Goldstein, University of Kent, UK This is a truly wonderful book. The topic is tough, but Peter Cave brings it to life. He manages to give new insights on old topics, which is itself remarkable, and he also brings in plenty of less familiar topics ... All in all, it is a joy to see such cleverness and clarity of thought coexisting with such an easy (and light and amusing) writing style. -Professor Imre Leader, Cambridge University, UK Put your neurons through their paces with this lively and engaging introduction to paradoxes. From Buridan's Ass and the Surprise Examination to The Liar and Sleeping Beauty, This Sentence is False introduces all the key philosophical paradoxes. This fascinating guide to logic and reasoning is packed with puzzles and thought experiments to actively engage the reader in critical thinking. As well as paradoxes that occur in our everyday lives, topics also include God, ethics, political philosophy, space, and time. This Sentence is False will put your mind to the test, challenge what you think you know, and lead you on a fascinating journey through logical reasoning. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Sorites Paradox Sergi Oms, Elia Zardini, 2019-10-10 Offers a systematic introduction and discussion of all the main solutions to the sorites paradox and its areas of influence. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Doing Philosophy Timothy Williamson, 2018-06-13 What are philosophers trying to achieve? How can they succeed? Does philosophy make progress? Is it in competition with science, or doing something completely different, or neither? Timothy Williamson tackles some of the key questions surrounding philosophy in new and provocative ways, showing how philosophy begins in common sense curiosity, and develops through our capacity to dispute rationally with each other. Discussing philosophy's ability to clarify our thoughts, he explains why such clarification depends on the development of philosophical theories, and how those theories can be tested by imaginative thought experiments, and compared against each other by standards similar to those used in the natural and social sciences. He also shows how logical rigour can be understood as a way of enhancing the explanatory power of philosophical theories. Drawing on the history of philosophy to provide a track record of philosophical thinking's successes and failures, Williamson overturns widely held dogmas about the distinctive nature of philosophy in comparison to the sciences, demystifies its methods, and considers the future of the discipline. From thought experiments, to deduction, to theories, this little book will cause you to totally rethink what philosophy is. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Educating for the Twenty-First Century: Seven Global Challenges Conrad Hughes, 2018-07-26 Educating for the Twenty-First Century is an engaging account of some of the most critical challenges for humanity, seen through the unique perspective of a school principal. A virtuoso performance of great imaginative force, the book takes the reader through philosophical reflections, humorous anecdotes, syntheses of cutting-edge research and examples of best practice, to answer fundamental questions about education and learning in the 21st century. Provocative, touching, accessible, but always profound, the book is a must-read for policy-makers, school and university leaders, parents and anyone passionate about education and the future of the planet. A significant book, which makes it required reading for educators, public policy experts, indeed every thoughtful citizen of our time. - AC Grayling, Philosopher and Master of the New College of the Humanities An essential book for all those who are interested in the future of their children, in other words, the very future of humanity. - Luc Ferry, Philosopher and former Minister of Education, France |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Towards Non-Being Graham Priest, 2005-05-19 Towards Non-Being presents an account of the semantics of intentional language - verbs such as 'believes', 'fears', 'seeks', 'imagines'. Graham Priest's account tackles problems concerning intentional states which are often brushed under the carpet in discussions of intentionality, such as their failure to be closed under deducibility. Drawing on the work of the late Richard Routley (Sylvan), it proceeds in terms of objects that may be either existent or non-existent, atworlds that may be either possible or impossible. Since Russell, non-existent objects have had a bad press in Western philosophy; Priest mounts a full-scale defence. In the process, he offers an account of both fictional and mathematical objects as non-existent.The book will be of central interest to anyone who is concerned with intentionality in the philosophy of mind or philosophy of language, the metaphysics of existence and identity, the philosophy or fiction, the philosophy of mathematics, or cognitive representation in AI. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Statistical Inference as Severe Testing Deborah G. Mayo, 2018-09-20 Unlock today's statistical controversies and irreproducible results by viewing statistics as probing and controlling errors. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: My Father is a Philosopher: Paradoxes and Puzzles for Thinkers Young and Old Thomas B. Spademan, |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Incompleteness Rebecca Goldstein, 2006-01-31 An introduction to the life and thought of Kurt Gödel, who transformed our conception of math forever--Provided by publisher. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Philosophy of the Skeptical Academy Carneades, Clitomachus, Philo of Larissa, 2016-10-27 A century after Plato’s death, the Academy that he founded shifted from his original philosophy to skepticism. Now, you can read the works of the key philosophers of this 'middle academy or skeptical academy. Among many other works, this collection includes the second lecture on justice of Carneades, whose moral relativism so scandalized Rome that Cato the Censor had the Senate rush Carneades and the other philosophers with him back to Athens. About this Series In the past, you had to learn about most Hellenistic philosophers by reading descriptions of their doctrines. Imagine if you could not read the works of Plato or William James and could only read descriptions of their doctrines! You would have no sense of their intellects or of their personalities. Yet the works of many Hellenistic philosophers have always been hidden in plain sight, quoted in the dialogs of Cicero, where they have been accessible to a handful of classical scholars who were willing to search for the sources of the dialogs and to wade through all the extraneous material that Cicero added. This series, the Rediscovered Philosophers, disentangles the philosophers’ works from the dialogs, making these works accessible to a wider audience for the first time. It includes three books: Philosophy of the Stoics, Philosophy of the Skeptical Academy, and Philosophy of the Syncretic Academy. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: The Myths We Live By Mary Midgley, 2005-09-14 Mary Midgley argues in her powerful new book that far from being the opposite of science, myth is a central part of it. In brilliant prose, she claims that myths are neither lies nor mere stories but a network of powerful symbols that suggest particular ways of interpreting the world. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Wittgenstein A. C. Grayling, 2001-02-22 Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) was an extraordinarily original philospher, whose influence on twentieth-century thinking goes well beyond philosophy itself. In this book, which aims to make Wittgenstein's thought accessible to the general non-specialist reader, A. C. Grayling explains the nature and impact of Wittgenstein's views. He describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them, and gives a fresh assessment of Wittgenstein's continuing influence on contemporary thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Merrilee H. Salmon, 1989 |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Paradox and Paraconsistency John Woods, 2003 In a world plagued by disagreement and conflict one might expect that the exact sciences of logic and mathematics would provide a safe harbor. In fact these disciplines are rife with internal divisions between different, often incompatible, systems. Do these disagreements admit of resolution? Can such resolution be achieved without disturbing assumptions that the theorems of logic and mathematics state objective truths about the real world? In this original and historically rich book John Woods explores apparently intractable disagreements in logic and the foundations of mathematics and sets out conflict resolution strategies that evade or disarm these stalemates. An important sub-theme of the book is the extent to which pluralism in logic and the philosophy of mathematics undermines realist assumptions. This book makes an important contribution to such areas of philosophy as logic, philosophy of language and argumentation theory. It will also be of interest to mathematicians and computer scientists. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Thinking and Being Irad Kimhi, 2018-07-09 Frege argued that psychological laws of thought—which explicate how we in fact think—must be distinguished from logical laws of thought—which impose rational requirements on thinking. Marking a radical break with Frege’s legacy in analytic philosophy, Irad Kimhi’s work shows that thinking and being are different manifestations of the same capacity. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Of Logicians and Liars Pasquale De Marco, 2025-03-17 In the realm of logic, language, and philosophy, there exists a paradox that has captivated and perplexed minds for centuries: the enigmatic liar paradox. This book delves into the depths of this fascinating puzzle, exploring its historical origins, philosophical implications, and far-reaching impact on our understanding of truth, falsehood, and the very nature of language itself. Through a journey that spans different philosophical and linguistic traditions, we will examine the various attempts to resolve or dissolve the liar paradox, from ancient Greek philosophers to contemporary logicians. Along the way, we will encounter a host of other perplexing paradoxes that share a common thread with the liar paradox: the exploration of the limits of language and the challenges of self-reference. With careful analysis and thought-provoking discussions, we will unravel the intricate web of concepts and arguments surrounding the liar paradox. We will investigate the relationship between truth and falsehood, the nature of propositions and their truth conditions, and the boundaries between sense and nonsense. We will also explore the implications of the liar paradox for our understanding of knowledge, reality, and the human condition. This book is not merely an academic exploration of a philosophical conundrum. It is an invitation to embark on an intellectual adventure that will challenge your assumptions about language, logic, and the nature of truth. Through the lens of the liar paradox, we will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and wonders of the world around us. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher, a student of logic, or simply someone who enjoys pondering the enigmas of language and thought, this book will provide you with a captivating and thought-provoking journey into the heart of one of the most enduring paradoxes in human history. Join us as we embark on this intellectual odyssey, where we will grapple with the liar paradox and other perplexing puzzles, and emerge with a newfound understanding of the limits and possibilities of language, logic, and human knowledge. If you like this book, write a review! |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Understanding the Infinite Shaughan Lavine, 2009-06-30 An accessible history and philosophical commentary on our notion of infinity. How can the infinite, a subject so remote from our finite experience, be an everyday tool for the working mathematician? Blending history, philosophy, mathematics, and logic, Shaughan Lavine answers this question with exceptional clarity. Making use of the mathematical work of Jan Mycielski, he demonstrates that knowledge of the infinite is possible, even according to strict standards that require some intuitive basis for knowledge. Praise for Understanding the Infinite “Understanding the Infinite is a remarkable blend of mathematics, modern history, philosophy, and logic, laced with refreshing doses of common sense. It is a potted history of, and a philosophical commentary on, the modern notion of infinity as formalized in axiomatic set theory . . . An amazingly readable [book] given the difficult subject matter. Most of all, it is an eminently sensible book. Anyone who wants to explore the deep issues surrounding the concept of infinity . . . will get a great deal of pleasure from it.” —Ian Stewart, New Scientist “How, in a finite world, does one obtain any knowledge about the infinite? Lavine argues that intuitions about the infinite derive from facts about the finite mathematics of indefinitely large size . . . The issues are delicate, but the writing is crisp and exciting, the arguments original. This book should interest readers whether philosophically, historically, or mathematically inclined, and large parts are within the grasp of the general reader. Highly recommended.” —D. V. Feldman, Choice |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: On Bullshit Harry G. Frankfurt, 2009-01-10 #1 New York Times bestseller Featured on The Daily Show and 60 Minutes The acclaimed book that illuminates our world and its politics by revealing why bullshit is more dangerous than lying One of the most prominent features of our world is that there is so much bullshit. Yet we have no clear understanding of what bullshit is, how it’s distinct from lying, what functions it serves, and what it means. In his acclaimed bestseller On Bullshit, Harry Frankfurt, who was one of the world’s most influential moral philosophers, explores this important subject, which has become a central problem of politics and our world. With his characteristic combination of philosophical acuity, psychological insight, and wry humor, Frankfurt argues that bullshitters misrepresent themselves to their audience not as liars do, that is, by deliberately making false claims about what is true. Rather, bullshitters seek to convey a certain impression of themselves without being concerned about whether anything at all is true. They quietly change the rules governing their end of the conversation so that claims about truth and falsity are irrelevant. Although bullshit can take many innocent forms, excessive indulgence in it can eventually undermine the bullshitter’s capacity to tell the truth in a way that lying does not. Liars at least acknowledge that the truth matters. Because of this, bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are. Remarkably prescient and insightful, On Bullshit is a small book that explains a great deal about our time. |
| the liar's paradox problem in critical thinking: Revenge of the Liar JC Beall, 2007-12-13 Fourteen new essays by some of the world's leading experts, together with an extensive introduction, examine the nature of the Liar paradox and its resistance to any attempt to solve it. |
LIAR Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of LIAR is a person who tells lies. How to use liar in a sentence.
LIAR | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
He's such a liar - you can't trust a word he says. [ as form of address ] You liar - I never touched it! I never trust …
Types of Liars: What Are the Differences & Tell-Tale Signs…
Apr 7, 2024 · In this article, we’ll walk you through 12 types of liars and teach you how to deal with each one. Generally, people lie to make …
LIAR Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words - Merriam-W…
Synonyms for LIAR: storyteller, prevaricator, fibber, fabulist, fabricator, cheat, exaggerator, gossiper; Antonyms of LIAR: square shooter
Liar (TV series) - Wikipedia
Liar is a British thriller television series created by Harry and Jack Williams, and co-produced by ITV and SundanceTV. The series stars Joanne Froggatt and …
LIAR Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of LIAR is a person who tells lies. How to use liar in a sentence.
LIAR | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
He's such a liar - you can't trust a word he says. [ as form of address ] You liar - I never touched it! I never trust …
Types of Liars: What Are the Differences & Tell-Tale Signs?
Apr 7, 2024 · In this article, we’ll walk you through 12 types of liars and teach you how to deal with each one. Generally, people lie to make …
LIAR Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words - Merriam-W…
Synonyms for LIAR: storyteller, prevaricator, fibber, fabulist, fabricator, cheat, exaggerator, gossiper; Antonyms of LIAR: square shooter
Liar (TV series) - Wikipedia
Liar is a British thriller television series created by Harry and Jack Williams, and co-produced by ITV and SundanceTV. The series stars Joanne Froggatt and …
