a place where thought's inside the box can't reach and thought's outside the box simply miss

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Philosophy Story: The Liar Paradox

Liar, liar bum on fire! Long time no post. But here it goes. I have two stories to tell and questions you have to answer afterwards. Both are related though so yeah no worries. Let us go to the first story. I found this one on the book my teacher gave me. It's so awesome. Now read.


A guy was walking down the road one day. He met an old wise-looking man. The old man spoke, "The first thing said to you by the first guy you meet today is a lie, don't believe whatever he says!". The guy stopped and say thanks to the man and continued his journey. After a few steps he realized that the old man was the first guy he met today!

And the question is... Was the old man saying the truth? (Warning: headache alert). Now on to the second story. This story I've heard from when I was a child. Here it is.

Another guy was walking down the road also. He wanted to go to Truthville where people will always say the truth. But in the middle of his journey the road diverged in two. Two men were on each path sitting. One of them should be from Truthville. But the other one should be from Lieville where people always tell lies. As he approach and about to ask questions to both of them the Royal Guards came and told him that he is only allowed to ask one question to each man and he will pass. If he asks more than one question to each man, he'll be sent back to where he came from.

Yup and the question is... What should he ask to each man?