This Sentence is False

An Introduction to Philosophical Paradoxes

Peter Cave

• Publisher: Continuum
• Year: 2009
• Print ISBN:
  9781847062208
• eBook ISBN:
  9781441122537
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Philosophy
• Subtopic: Philosophy History & Theory

An entertaining introduction to logic and reasoning, packed with puzzles and thought experiments for the reader to try

"Peter Cave takes us on an edifying tour through the world of paradoxes, and there is much to be learned, as well as much enjoyment to be had, in the process." -Adrian W. Moore, University of Oxford, UK
"'This sentence is false' is a sentence printed on the cover of this book. A sentence is not a name. So what is the name of the book? This book (whatever its name) is full of intriguing philosophical puzzles ... Paradoxes may seem trivial at first glance, but further thought reveals them to be challenges to some of our most fundamental beliefs and preconceptions. Peter Cave entertainingly escorts the reader through a great variety of these fascinating puzzles, shining light that is fresh and bright." -Laurence Goldstein, University of Kent, UK

"This is a truly wonderful book. The topic is tough, but Peter Cave brings it to life. He manages to give new insights on old topics, which is itself remarkable, and he also brings in plenty of less familiar topics ... All in all, it is a joy to see such cleverness and clarity of thought coexisting with such an easy (and light and amusing) writing style." -Professor Imre Leader, Cambridge University, UK

Put your neurons through their paces with this lively and engaging introduction to paradoxes. From "Buridan's Ass" and the "Surprise Examination" to "The Liar" and "Sleeping Beauty," This Sentence is False introduces all the key philosophical paradoxes. This fascinating guide to logic and reasoning is packed with puzzles and thought experiments to actively engage the reader in critical thinking. As well as paradoxes that occur in our everyday lives, topics also include God, ethics, political philosophy, space, and time. This Sentence is False will put your mind to the test, challenge what you think you know, and lead you on a fascinating journey through logical reasoning.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• 1 Welcome to the rational irrational – how to win, how to starve, and how to pump money
• 2 Too clever by one-half – or, at least, one-eighth
• 3 Lather, rinse, repeat – ‘repeat’ did you say?
• 4 Infinity: without end, without beginning – yet with a flea, a fly and a bandit
• 5 Heaps and haze, colours and clocks – and 1,001 cats
• 6 Ravens, lotteries, medical matters – and a gruesome tale or two
• 7 Morality and politics – blackmail, buck-passing and voting
• 8 Encounters with God – and his mysterious ways
• 9 Encounters with our mysterious ways – love, luck and life
• 10 When to stop
• Appendix 1: Further reading
• Appendix 2: Notes, sources and references
• Appendix 3: Paradoxes purveyed
• Bibliography
• General Index