Fallacies and Paradoxes.

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I have always enjoyed fallacies and paradoxes. So now I want to share some of my own observations of perceived paradoxical or fallacious thinking in myself and others. I think this relates to Autism in many ways, but the most obvious is that I think it qualifies as a special interest.

Last edited by heffe1981 on 13 Feb 2016, 8:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Here is an example. The earth is round based on "expert" knowledge, then global warming must be true because it is based on "expert" knowledge. How can the "experts" be correct about one and not the other? To deny global warming is to deny a round earth. The same argument can be used with any conspiracy theory. Except global warming is not a conspiracy theory, so why do so many people think it is? I think this is considered modus ponendo ponens. (Latin for "the way that affirms by affirming") The idea is that if one statement or proposition implies a second one, and the first statement or proposition is true, then the second one is also true. If P implies Q and P is true, then Q is true. In argument form.

P→Q
P
∴ Q

The earth is round based on "expert" knowledge, global warming it is based on "expert" knowledge.

The earth is round.

Global warming must be true because it is based on "expert" knowledge

Last edited by heffe1981 on 13 Feb 2016, 10:10 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Paradoxes can reveal layers of complexity that without them would remain unseen.

I found what you said to be less paradoxical and rather more confusing.

Do you find your "paradox"es welcome in many conversations?

I am using the word paradox in the sense of philosophy, which is where I learned about them. I may be using the wrong word, however.

To be it sounded like logic statements. Perhaps more like syllogism?
What do you think.
Paradox are two statements that seem like they both could not be true - and are.
Me. ...Still too old to know it all

A logical fallacy is the concept that I am talking about. But to me, many "official" paradoxes are so similar to fallacies that I did not know there was a difference. I am not talking about mathematical paradoxes. I am talking about thought experiments like Hilbert's paradox of the Grand Hotel.

Last edited by heffe1981 on 13 Feb 2016, 9:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Oh, I am not familiar with this one- would you mind expanding upon it?

I think logical fallicies are interesting, but they also annoy the hell out of me. I love logical and strive to be as 100% logical as my silly little brain will let me : )
My favorite fallacy is: Post hoc ergo propter hoc. Also, I really like greek/latin stuff lol so. quid pro quo is another favorite even though that isn't a logical fallacy

Have you read: Daniel Kahneman Thinking fast and slow? He talks about these a lot.

Shrodinger's paradox doesn't make sense to me. The cat can't be simultaneously alive and dead just because you don't look. You just don't know if it's dead or alive.

You may be using the wrong word, well yes.

Philosophy is not a highly respected term, recently I read of Stephen Hawkings being highly dismiss of it.

Philosophy is a puzzle without an answer, only more puzzles. I am a confused individual whose life is more puzzling than normal individuals. I don't need a puzzle factory in my life.

Sorry that was getting frighteningly close to stream of consciousness writing. I do apologise.

I have not heard about Shrodinger's paradox. I am going to look that up later. There are so many others as well. This is why I started this thread. So we can have an open dialogue. Thank you!

Philosophy has been butchered and divided into many sub-fields by modern thinkers. The Ancient Greek word φιλοσοφία (philosophia) literally means "love of wisdom" or "friend of wisdom". Stephen Hawkings is probably being highly dismissive of it because he can only think in terms of the modern ideals, or Zeitgeist. The Zeitgeist (spirit of the age or spirit of the time) is the intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought that typifies and influences the culture of a particular period in time. In ancient Greece knowledge, wisdom, education, etc. was not limited and fragmented like it is in modern times. While there were some who chose to "specialize" in certain areas like mathematics or politics, most people had interests in all areas. There are no limits to knowledge, wisdom, education, etc. in modern times, either. The only limits are those that are self-imposed. I suppose that society may try to impose limits as well. Good thing I am on the Autism Spectrum and have built up a good tolerance or immunity to the Zeitgeist.

Last edited by heffe1981 on 13 Feb 2016, 10:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

No, I have not read Daniel Kahneman, but I will try to remember. Stay tuned as I think this may be a real good thread. I am going to bed though, it's getting late.

In other words you are saying that Stephen Hawkings and I are slaves of fashion. We are confined by the concepts of our times, we just wanna fit in.

You however are in the autistic spectrum and fly high above such conventions.

A free thinker.

This forum is called wrong planet for a reason. I did not come up with the name, but it is something that I relate to every day. I will never fit in so I stopped trying to fit in almost 10 years ago and I will be 35 on the 17th. I do like to see being a social reject in a positive way, but I do not think I am "better" than anyone. I am sorry if I gave that impression. I think everyone is capable of being a free thinker. Some are born this way. Others are enlightened through meditation, education, religion, tragedy, and natural or pharmaceutical drugs. I have met a few free thinkers in my life, but in my current situation I stand alone. I hope to change that by meeting other free thinkers here online or anywhere I can for that matter. And like I said, one does not need to be on the spectrum to be a free thinker. I just think it may be easier for those on the spectrum. Of course, I am not an expert and everything I say is just my opinion.

Here are 8 short videos making up "The Guide to Common Fallacies" by the PBS Idea Channel on youtube. These may help others like myself who tend to be audio/visual learners.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtHP6qx8VF7dPql3ll1To4i6vEIPt0kV5