Liar paradox

In philosophy and logic, the liar paradox encompasses paradoxical statements such as:

The Epimenides paradox

"Epimenides paradox" is often considered an equivalent or interchangeable term for "liar paradox" and it is also the kind of supposed "liar paradox" that is best known to the general public. However, an identification of the two is very questionable:

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Epimenides was a sixth century BC philosopher-poet. Himself a Cretan, he reportedly wrote:

Related Topics:
Epimenides - Sixth century BC - Philosopher - Poet - Cretan

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:The Cretans are always liars. (Titus 1:12)

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While Epimenides's words were stated substantially earlier than Eubulides's, it is likely that Epimenides did not intend them to be understood as a kind of liar paradox. Little is known about the circumstances in which he made them; the original poems containing them have been lost and the only confirmed record of them is St. Paul quoting them in the Epistle to Titus (where they were arguably also not intended as a paradox). It was only much later that the aforementioned Bible quote was taken up again and referred to as the Epimenides paradox. It is not known (but very much in doubt) whether Eubulides knew of, or made reference to, Epimenides's words in his original contemplation of the liar paradox. For these reasons, Eubulides is rightly currently credited as the oldest known source of a liar paradox.

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Moreover, if Epimenides's words are simply false, then himself erring or lying does not make all of his fellow countrymen liars. A false statement of The Cretans are always liars. hence can remain false, because no proof exists that they really are liars. Epimenides's statement thus is not paradoxical if false. There are further reasons why the statement also is not necessarily paradoxical even if it is true (Cretans might sometimes, but not always, be liars). The liar paradox after Eubulides however is paradoxical per definitionem. (For more information see Epimenides paradox.)

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