Philosophy
What is a paradox?
A paradox is a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself or defy logic, yet may reveal a deeper truth. Some paradoxes are puzzles with hidden flaws; others expose real limits in our reasoning or assumptions.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a paradox.
Key things to understand
- 1It's a self-contradictory or logic-defying statement or situation.
- 2Example: 'This sentence is false' — true and false at once.
- 3Some dissolve once a hidden mistake is found.
- 4Others reveal genuine gaps in logic or intuition.
- 5They've driven progress in math, physics, and philosophy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an example of a paradox?
- 'This statement is false' — if it's true, then it's false, and if false, then true, with no consistent answer.
- Are all paradoxes unsolvable?
- No — many have hidden errors and resolve on closer inspection; only some point to deep, genuine limits of logic.
- Why do paradoxes matter?
- They expose flawed assumptions and have pushed breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, and philosophy by forcing clearer thinking.