paradox

=**__Paradox__**=

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A statement that appears to be self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but upon closer inspection contains some degree of truth or validity.(Think of the beginning of Dickens' //Tale of Two// Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....")

=**__Example__**=

"Epimenides was a Cretan who made one immortal statement: 'All Cretans are liars.' "

This statement is a paradox. It is a paradox because if Epimenides was saying the truth, then he would be telling a lie. If Epimenedes was telling a lie, then it would be the truth.

"'Can a cube that does not last for any time at all, have a real existence?'"

This statement is paradoxial because they are talking about a cube that cannot exist at a certain time, but if they thought about it, it could exsist. They are contradicting themselves.



=**__Citations__**= Hofstadter, Douglas. Godel, Escher, Bach. New York: Basic Books, 1979.

Lynch, Mark.http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/paradox_gifts.asp

Wells, H.G. The Time Machine. England: William Heinemann, 1895.

UKeenawinna Period 4