Is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Flawed Like Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem?

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The discussion centers around a picture that poses a question with multiple-choice answers (A, B, C, D) and a stated 25% chance of guessing correctly. Participants analyze the implications of the question, noting that the percentages provided are irrelevant to the actual guessing process. The humor is derived from the paradox created by the repeated mention of 25%, leading to a logical contradiction where all options, including "none of the above," are deemed impossible. This reflects a deeper philosophical inquiry reminiscent of Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, suggesting that the question itself may be flawed or trick-like. The conversation emphasizes careful reading and interpretation of the problem, with some participants expressing a preference for a 50% chance scenario instead.
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What is wrong (if anything) with this picture?
image.png.f602373de3338b95fa76fe24296175a4.png
 
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Is that real?
 
1'st analysis.
You select a, b, c or d. There is a 25% chance you will guess the right letter.
The available % answers have nothing to do with it.
 
PeroK said:
Is that real?
Doesn't matter. It's funny :smile:
 
Baluncore said:
1'st analysis.
You select a, b, c or d. There is a 25% chance you will guess the right letter.
The available % answers have nothing to do with it.
Are you going for answer A or D?
 
Baluncore said:
The available % answers have nothing to do with it.
This is what I don't know. Do we choose a letter or an answer?
 
Baluncore said:
The available % answers have nothing to do with it.
Which is why it's funny.

By the way, did you notice 25% is listed twice? Seems to me that makes it extra funny because that creates a paradox.
 
The paradox comes in the 2'nd analysis.
You enter an oscillating solution that could be A, D or C.
Since A or D could be correct, that sometimes makes the correct answer C.
So the answer must then be 25%. A or D.
 
This is a question that contains within it a logical contradiction, so not only are A, B, C and D all impossible, but "none of the above" is also impossible (because that would imply that B was correct, a contradiction).

I suppose it's a bit like asking if "This statement is false" is true or false.
 
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“The only interesting answers are those which destroy the question”. —Susan Sontag
 
  • #11
As usual. the key is to read the problem carefully. If I were to guess at random, my probability would be zero. I'm just unlucky.
 
  • #12
PeroK said:
Is that real?
Does nobody like 50%? Two chances of 25%? I am assuming this is a bit of a trick question.
 
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  • #13
It reminds of Godel Incompleteness.
 
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