MHB Odds of being correct if choosing a question at random

  • Thread starter Thread starter alexmahone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Random
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the logical paradox of determining the probability of selecting the correct answer to a self-referential question. The options presented are 25%, 50%, 60%, and 25%. Analyzing each option reveals contradictions, leading to the conclusion that the question is inherently flawed. The only consistent outcome is that if the answer is any value other than those provided, the probability is 0%, highlighting the logical invalidity of self-referential questions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of probability theory
  • Familiarity with logical paradoxes
  • Basic knowledge of self-referential statements
  • Critical thinking skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "logical paradoxes in philosophy" to explore similar concepts
  • Study "probability theory fundamentals" for a deeper understanding of probability
  • Examine "self-referential statements in logic" to grasp their implications
  • Investigate "the liar paradox" for additional context on self-referential contradictions
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, mathematicians, students of logic, and anyone interested in the intricacies of probability and self-referential reasoning will benefit from this discussion.

alexmahone
Messages
303
Reaction score
0
If you choose an answer to this question at random, what is the chance you will be correct.

a. 25%

b.50%

c.60%

d.25%

My answer:
1/3*1/2 + 1/3*1/4 + 1/3*1/4 = 1/6 + 1/6 = 1/3
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I have no idea how the given answer is reached.

Suppose the answer is 25%. You will choose that 50% of the time, so the answer is 50%, a contradiction.
Suppose the answer is 50%. You will choose that 25% of the time, so the answer is 25%, a contradiction.
Suppose the answer is 60%. You will choose that 25% of the time, so the answer is 25%, a contradiction.
Suppose the answer is some other value. You will choose that 0% of the time, so the answer is 0%, a consistent result.

But the existence of a consistent result doesn’t make the question "well posed". The self reference makes it logically invalid in the same way that "this statement is false" is invalid.
 
  • Like
Likes pinball1970

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K