Paradoxes Their Roots, Range, and Resolution

A paradox (from the Greek word meaning "contrary to expectation") is a statement that seems self-contradictory but may be true. Exploring the distinction between truth and plausibility, the author presents a standardized, straightforward approach for deciphering paradoxes -- one that can be applied to all their forms, whether clever wordplay or more complex issues.

Nicholas Rescher is University Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh

Detailed Contents

vii

Preface

xiii

Index of Paradoxes Discussed

xv

Summary of Symbols, Technical Terms, and Principles

xix

Aporetics

3

(22)

Paradox Solution via Retention Prioritization

25

(18)

Plausibility as a Guide to Prioritization

43

(14)

Levels of Paradoxicality

57

(20)

Paradoxes of Vagueness

77

(14)

Paradoxes of Ambiguity and Equivocation (Insufficient Distinctions)

91

(26)

Philosophical Paradoxes

117

(20)

Paradoxes of Inappropriate Presupposition (Improper Totalities in Particular)

137

(22)

Mathematical Paradoxes

159

(34)

Semantical Paradoxes that Involve Conflicting Claims regarding Truth

193

(26)

Inductive Paradoxes (Conflicts of Probability and Evidence)

219

(14)

Paradoxes of Hypothetical Reasoning (The Problem of Assumptions that Conflict with Accepted Beliefs)

233

(22)

Paradoxes of Choice and Decision (Conflicting Reasons for Action)

255

(26)

Bibliography

281

(8)

Index

289

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Paradoxes Their Roots, Range, and Resolution

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials