Is the Unexpected Hanging Paradox a Real Challenge for Philosophy?
Thread starterJamma
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In summary, the conversation discusses the unexpected hanging paradox and the question of its significance in philosophy. The participants analyze the paradox and its logical flaws, ultimately concluding that the premise of the problem is internally inconsistent. They also discuss the intuitive nature of the paradox and how it is often hidden in the formulation of the premise.
#36
fuzzyfelt
Gold Member
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fuzziness might be applied to the truthfulness of the original statements.
" He begins by concluding that the "surprise hanging" can't be on Friday, as if he hasn't been hanged by Thursday, there is only one day left - and so it won't be a surprise if he's hanged on Friday"
" He then reasons that the surprise hanging cannot be on Thursday either, because Friday has already been eliminated and if he hasn't been hanged by Wednesday night"
Friday has been eliminated on a condition, namely that he hasn't been hung before friday, which is a paradoxical statement