The Solution To The Hardest Logic Puzzle Ever

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    Logic Puzzle
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The discussion centers around a complex logical puzzle involving three gods, with participants analyzing its structure and implications. One participant expresses confusion over the use of "iff" (if and only if), questioning its necessity and the assumption that "Rome is in Italy," noting the existence of a Rome in New York. Another contributor, a computer science major, shares their approach using XOR instead of XNOR, highlighting the flexibility in solving the puzzle. They critique the original problem's limitations on the number of questions, arguing that it should focus on the number of responses instead. There is also a debate about the assumptions regarding the truthfulness of the False god in relation to compound propositions. The conversation reflects a deep engagement with logical reasoning and the nuances of the puzzle's formulation.
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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
 
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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.
 
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  • #13
Bump. I still keep getting PM's asking for the solution to this problem all the time.
 

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