The Solution To The Hardest Logic Puzzle Ever

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the "Hardest Logic Puzzle Ever," exploring various interpretations, solutions, and critiques of the puzzle's structure and assumptions. Participants engage with the logical framework, vocabulary used, and the implications of the puzzle's design.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion or difficulty with the puzzle, indicating its complexity.
  • One participant critiques the use of the term "iff," suggesting it should be replaced with "if and only if" for clarity.
  • Another participant argues that the assumption of Rome being in Italy is not logically sound, pointing out the existence of other places named Rome.
  • A participant mentions using XOR instead of XNOR to solve the puzzle, suggesting an alternative approach based on their background in computer science.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations imposed by the puzzle's rules, particularly regarding the number of questions versus responses allowed.
  • One participant questions the assumption that the False god would only lie about biconditional statements and not about other propositions, indicating a potential flaw in the reasoning presented in the puzzle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the complexity of the puzzle while others disagree on specific assumptions and interpretations. No consensus is reached regarding the validity of certain logical constructs or the implications of the puzzle's design.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in the assumptions made within the puzzle, including the definitions of terms and the implications of the logical structure. The discussion remains open-ended without resolving these issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in logic puzzles, mathematical reasoning, and philosophical discussions may find this thread engaging.

gravenewworld
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Seems like no one got it so here it is without further adieu (sp?) http://people.ucsc.edu/~jburke/three_gods.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Ouch,mamma,that was...hm...2 smart for me...:cry:

Daniel.
 
I understand how the puzzle was solved, but I have two problems with it.
1. shouldn't be able to make up words "iff"
2. the second question "...iff Rome is in Italy" isn't logically correct. Can't assume Rome is in Italy
 
?

iff=if and only if is standard vocabulary in math and philosophy
 
new one for me, why not say if and only if
 
because mathematicians are notoriously lazy
 
There's a Rome in NY state as well,if I'm not mistaking...:wink:So Trib's right...

Daniel.
 
I figured out the 3 component puzzles before reading on and got answers using XOR instead. Being a computer science major, I thought of XOR before XNOR (XNOR is iff). It works out the same, just reversed.

Still, Boolos limited himself in his choice of questions; if you ask True or False what Random says next, they can only be silent.
 
Ok, that is one brilliant puzzle.
 
  • #10
so by this iff reasoning we can ask things like:
Are you goign to say yes, the 2nd guy no, and the thrd guy yes to the question "blah blah"

I think that's sort of a copout, like asking multiple questions in one.

The original problem should not limit you to asking "only 3 questions" but getting only 3 responses.
 
  • #11
You still get 3 responses.
 
  • #12
I don't know why he assumes the False god would lie about a biconditional (or, for that matter, any compound proposition) but not about its constituent propositions. In [S <-> P], there are 3 propositions in question: S, P, and [S <-> P]. It makes as much sense, if not more, to assume False would lie about all 3. It doesn't effect his conclusion, but still...
Eh, I was going to maybe write and ask him but I see that's unfortunately not possible. Great puzzle still.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Bump. I still keep getting PM's asking for the solution to this problem all the time.
 

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