the wikpedia explination makes my brain hurt
2007-02-16 12:23:26 · 13 answers · asked by haylay 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
A paradox is a contradiction in terms. It's a little similar to irony. The classic example of a paradox is the following phrase "The wisest fool in Christendom". It initially seems flattering as the person is being referred to as the wise - however, he's the wisest of the fools, which isn't flattering afterall.
Other examples would be
the tallest dwarf!
the richest pauper!
the fattest anexoric! (ok .....I', reaching a little here but you get my drift!)
They're all contradictions in thmeselves!
2007-02-16 12:50:53 · answer #1 · answered by jackiemm 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here's an example.
A long time ago in a port city a beautiful wooden ship was built.
As time went by, a plank or two of wood would be replaced. A couple here, a couple there. Each time part of the ship was replaced, the old pieces were put in a storehouse.
Because the people wanted to keep the ship in top shape, even the pieces that they replaced were still usable. They just wanted the ship to always be in the best shape possible.
Several years went by, and before they knew it, there were enough pieces in the storehouse to make a complete ship. So, that's what they did.
Is the original ship the one that's always been there since the beginning, just having pieces replaced?
Or, is the original ship the ship which is made completely from all the original pieces?
Both arguments are totally valid, but how can you have two original ships if only one was built?
2007-02-16 20:40:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paradox has more than one meaning. Here is four meanings: 1. a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
2. a self-contradictory and false proposition.
3. any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.
4. an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.
2007-02-16 20:33:13 · answer #3 · answered by Cookie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking.
One exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects: "The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears" (Mary Shelley).
An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises.
A statement contrary to received opinion.
2007-02-17 00:23:27 · answer #4 · answered by hehehe! 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A paradox is a statement that seems like it couldn't be true, but it is true. For example, Bill is twenty years old and has had only five bitrhdays.(Bill was born on leap year).
2007-02-16 20:52:49 · answer #5 · answered by Max 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's kind of like a catch 22. You can't do one thing unless you do another, and unfortunately, you can't do that either until you do the first. That's the dumbed down version. Read more wikipedia, it's good for your health. (also, the more you learn the longer you live, according to that yahoo article anyway).
2007-02-16 20:34:21 · answer #6 · answered by Amanda R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A statement contrary to accepted opinion.
2007-02-16 21:09:34 · answer #7 · answered by dimple555 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means wearing a pair of shorts to shovel the snow from your driveway.
It is a situation that seems incongruent with itself.
2007-02-16 20:27:01 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. G 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
haha this is my favorate word ok a paradox is when something would noemally cancel somthing elses out dosent but it helps it
2007-02-16 20:28:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
lol, something that causes an infinte thought.
like:
thie following sentence is true. The previous sentence is false.
hoped that helped
2007-02-16 20:28:57 · answer #10 · answered by Asia Gabrielle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋