PARADOX
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THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE THING
A paradox is a statement that contravenes itself, or that must be true and untrue simultaneously. Paradoxes have been the core part of philosophical thinking for many years. The word paradox is a combination of Latin words, in which para means “distinct from” and Doxa means “option” which means DISTINCT FROM OPINION. Perplexed?
Well, you should be.
In elementary words, we can say a Paradox is an unattainable brain teaser.
The key points of these paradoxes are that they sound reasonable.
Paradoxes are categorically divided into three types-
- Falsidical Paradox — These are the paradoxes that initiate results that not only seems erroneous but are due to delusion in the demonstration.
One such paradox is the Achilles and the Tortoise paradox.
This paradox was proffered by a Greek philosopher Zeno of Ela. It was first up when Achilles challenged a tortoise in a race. He also gave the tortoise a lead of 500 meters, and when the race started, Achilles ran exceedingly fast and reached 500m. But, when he reached there, the tortoise was 50m ahead of him. This process goes on and on. Every time Achilles covered the distance, the tortoise was ahead of him, be it even a fractional distance. Zeon said that no matter how fast Achilles runs the tortoise will always be ahead of him and he will never be able to overtake the tortoise.
Except, of course, we know viscerally he can overtake the tortoise, but it can’t be proven mathematically, so, it is a paradox.
2. Verdical Paradox — It produces a result that appears preposterous, but is demonstrated to be true and nevertheless.
An example of this paradox is the Monty Hall Paradox.
It is a brain teaser in the form of probability. Suppose, you have been given the 3 envelopes and in one envelope there is a cash prize. You have to pick one. You picked the first one and it is empty. Now it is your choice to pick among one. Is it an advantage if you switch your choices?
Under the standard speculation, if you switch the envelope the chances of winning will be ⅔ while without switching it will be 1/3.
Many explanations have been given but this thing is still questionable. This is why it is a paradox because the correct choice of switching envelopes is so counterintuitive.
3. Antinomy Paradox — It is a type of paradox that is against the law. When you think about it, you will realize that it is illogical and senseless but yet on some note, it seems truthful. It can cause contingency in thoughts. It is an anomaly to all.
A very good example of Antimony Paradox is The Grandfather Paradox.
This paradox is based on time travel. A time traveler goes back in time, executes his grandfather before the birth of his parents. But this will negate his existence. Isn’t it a hassle to your brain?
Various explanations have been given for this paradox. Still, for most people, it is insurmountable and irrational.
These paradoxes are mind-boggling. The more you think about it, the more you will get lost.
Every moment is a paradox now or never.
