The Epimenides paradox reveals a problem with self-reference in logic.
It is named after the Cretan philosopher Epimenides of Knossos (alive circa 600 BC) who is credited with the original statement.
A typical description of the problem is given in the book Gödel, Escher, Bach, by Douglas Hofstadter
- Epimenides was a Cretan who made one immortal statement: "All Cretans are liars."
A paradox of self-reference arises when one considers whether it is possible for Epimenides to have spoken the truth.
Read more about Epimenides Paradox: Logical Paradox, Origin of The Phrase, Emergence As A Logical Contradiction
Famous quotes containing the word paradox:
“The paradox of education is precisely this—that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.”
—James Baldwin (1924–1987)