Solve Yes/No Logic Puzzle & Save Explorer: How?

  • #1
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Homework Statement


An explorer is captured by a group of cannibals. There are two types of cannibals--those who always tell the truth and those who always lie. The cannibals will barbecue the explore unless he can determine whether a particular cannibal always lies or always tells the truth. He is allowed to ask the cannibal exactly one question. Find a question that the explorer can use to determine whether the cannibal always lies or always tells the truth.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure where to start. Is there a systematic way to formulate the appropriate question with propositional logic and truth tables, or must one just have divine inspiration?
 
  • #2
You could always ask the cannibal whether he is a dolphin. If he says he is a dolphin then he's a liar.

But, I guess that's not the sort of question you are expected to find?
 
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  • #3
You could always ask the cannibal whether he is a dolphin. If he says he is a dolphin then he's a liar.

But, I guess that's not the sort of question you are expected to find?

I actually laughed on that one, but it's a correct answer.
 
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