Self-reference paradox : Can they be answered?

Question

Here's the statement about me: "I tell lies and never say anything that's true."

If the statement is true, then I am not lying. However, if the statement is false, then I do tell the truth.

So, am I a liar or do I tell the truth?

Answer 1

This particular statement could easily be false. If it is false that you never say anything that's true, that makes the whole statement false, and yet it doesn't mean that you never tell a lie, just that you don't always. That isn't really a self-referential statement, because the statement refers to you, not to itself.

A statement like: "This statement is false." is really self-referential. The truth of this statement is undefined.

Answer 2

well, you answered this one for yourself.
"If the statement is true, then I am not lying...If the statement is false then i do tell the truth" simple, you tell the truth, in this case, however, you may have the potential to lie. If it's true, you don't lie in this case. If it's false, then you, yet again, tell the truth in some cases.

Answer 3

You are a liar because if the statement is true u are a liar if the statement is false u r a liar.

Answer 4

we must not confuse the statement with the person stating it. this is so obsolete logical positivism stuff. if you are a liar, then you are a liar only in so far as the circumstances wherein you told lies. your statement therefore is true.

Answer 5

You go to a Zen master and ask this question and undestand his lies, you will understand your truth.

Also, read this sentence. "I clapped when the other hand was not there" was it a clap? if so can one clap without another hand. I don't lie because I can clap with one hand.