Course co-ordinator : Professor Goldstein

A paradox is a piece of reasoning that leads from a statement that is apparently true to a conclusion that is apparently crazy, yet each step of the reasoning seems perfectly good.

For example (a very old example), start with the assumption that every statement is either true or false. Now consider a person who makes the statement 'This statement is false'. We can easily reason that, if this statement is true, it must be false. Equally, we can reason that, if it is false, it must be true!!

These paradoxes are like 'brain-twisters' in that they can be puzzling and funny, but they are unlike brain-twisters in that they are not easy to solve. By thinking about them, we can learn some very fundamental lessons about how we think and reason.

Typically, a session will begin with the lecturer describing a paradox, after which students will get into groups to try and work out solutions. Then we shall all come together, and the various proposals will be discussed. The emphasis will be on coming up with good, original ideas, brain-storming and presenting thoughts in a clear, logical way.

Credit units: 3
Assessment: Portfolio (50%), presentation (50%)


Course's Details available at the Courses Website