Paradox library
Classic paradoxes that challenge intuition about truth, language, infinity, time, evidence, and identity.
logic
Zeno's Paradoxes
How can motion happen if every distance can be divided forever?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
truth
The Liar Paradox
What happens when a statement says of itself that it is false?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
time
The Grandfather Paradox
Can time travel create a contradiction in its own past?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
language
The Sorites Paradox
How many grains make a heap?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
existence
The Fermi Paradox
If intelligent life is likely, where is everybody?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
time
The Bootstrap Paradox
Can information exist without an origin?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
logic
Russell's Paradox
What happens when a set contains itself only if it does not?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
logic
The Barber Paradox
Who shaves the barber who shaves everyone who does not shave themselves?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
knowledge
The Unexpected Hanging
Can a surprise be predicted and still remain a surprise?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?
evidence
The Raven Paradox
Can seeing a green apple confirm that all ravens are black?
Where does the contradiction enter?
Is the problem in reality, language, or our assumptions?