A Paradox

Caerphilly Castle, Wales (trekearth)


Gwbert, Wales (trekearth)


Hay-One-Wye, Wales (trekearth)

Philosopher Simon Blackburn explains a paradox arises when a set of apparently incontrovertible premises provides what would be viewed as unacceptable or contradictory conclusions. Blackburn (1996: 276). John Etchemendy writes that seemingly sound reasoning based on assumptions leads to conclusions contradictory or obviously false. Etchemendy (1996: 558).

Blackburn uses the 'barber paradox' (page 36) where a village has a barber in it, who shaves all and only the persons that do not shave themselves. Therefore who shaves the barber? If he shaves himself, then he does not, but if he shaves himself, then he does. Blackburn (1996: 36). Blackburn provides the opinion that in reality philosophically there would be no such barber. The situation is inconsistent. Blackburn (1996: 36).

He references Russell's paradox and the class of all classes that are not members of themselves.

'If it is, then it is not, and if it not, then it is'. Blackburn (1996: 336).

Again an inconsistency and Blackburn notes what a 'class' is needs to be more clearly defined.

With paradoxes such as these that arise in certain arguments within theology and philosophy it is often important to simply deny certain assumptions, premises, propositions that can lead to illogical, inconsistent and false conclusions.

I agree with Etchemendy as he stated paradoxes are often solved when mistaken principles or assumptions are found and rejected. Etchemendy (1996: 558).

This was a very useful in working through theological and philosophical theodicy and problem of evil arguments. Often a way to deny apparent paradoxes is to seriously examine if premises in actuality should be accepted as presented. Often this is more important than concentrating primarily on the conclusion or conclusions.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

ETCHEMENDY, JOHN (1996) ‘Paradox’, in Robert Audi (ed.), The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.