Trilemma

A trilemma is similar to a dilemma, but with three options from which a choice must be made. If the three options are mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive (that is, they cover all possibilities and only one can be selected), then the trilemma can be resolved by eliminating two of them. Two of the most commonly referenced trilemmas are those relating to Christian apologetics and international economic policy.

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The most famous trilemma—often referred to simply as "the trilemma"—is a form of apologetics meant to prove the divinity of Jesus. Often summarized as "Liar, Lunatic, or Lord", it assumes that Jesus claimed to be the son of God, and as a result one of three things must be true:

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• Liar: Jesus was not the son of God, and he knew it, but he said so anyway.
• Lunatic: Jesus was not the son of God, but he mistakenly believed that he was.
• Lord: Jesus was the son of God, and thus spoke the truth.

The trilemma is principally associated with C. S. Lewis, who originally proposed the argument in his book Mere Christianity. He contends that the three probable alternatives—any of which, or some variant, may logically be chosen—together logically rule out the choice of calling Jesus a "great human teacher". Lewis's trilemma is therefore a straight-forward question on the basis of the Biblical view of Jesus: it compels a choice of any option except the logically excluded alternative that Jesus was "a great human teacher" (and from among the remaining alternatives, he argues that Jesus is God). Lewis does not propose the argument as a proof of the deity of Christ, but he was ultimately persuaded that the choice of Jesus as Lord is no less probable than the alternatives, and far more preferable.

Trilemma: Trilemma in Christian apologetics ►



 

Apologetics: Apologetics is the field of study concerned with the systematic defense of a position. Someone who engages in apologetics is called an apologist or an "apologete"....

Jesus: Jesus (Greek: Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs), also known as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, is Christianity's central figure, both as Messiah and, for most Christians, as God incarnate. In Islam he is regarded as a very important prophet....

Son of God: "Son of God" is a biblical phrase from the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament. According to Christian tradition, it refers to Jesus, whom they believe to be the only begotten son of God. The term was widespread during the life of Jesus, as emperor Caesar Augustus was known as the Son of a God - th...