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#1 2009-07-27 19:31:27
- phrontister
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Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Here's a great logic puzzle that I found on the internet...where it's widely discussed. It took me some time to work out what on earth the author was driving at - and considerably longer to solve it. 
This photo may help to throw some light on the concept of self-referentialism:-
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
#2 2009-07-27 23:17:49
- mathsyperson
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
I remember that! I did it eventually, but it took me quite a while.
There's something special about the answer though, so I can still remember it easily.
Here's an online version if anyone's interested.
Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.
#3 2010-05-18 15:55:57
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Hi phrontister!
It was a really Terrific Teaser!! 
I solved it Last Night before going to 
Here's the Outline of my Approach...
I'm submitting the solution in Parts because somehow i feel the necessity for the Solution Images to be together with the Explanations. Moreover, its too lengthy for me to type in just one go... I'll take a few hour's break!!!!!
The Questionnaire should look like this after completing Part1...
Last edited by ZHero (2010-05-18 23:51:41)
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#4 2010-05-18 16:46:32
- phrontister
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Hi ZHero,
You're definitely not the only person to have tried this puzzle and lost sleep because of it!! I lost plenty!
Glad you thought it was a good teaser too!
But...have you actually solved each question, or just those you've ticked on the questionaire? You're supposed to solve the lot, and only then will you be able to make sense of what mathsyperson wrote...that "there's something special about the answer".
I hope you didn't think that the aim was just to solve the last question, with questions 1 to 19 being there only to help you solve Q20!
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
#5 2010-05-18 17:33:26
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Last edited by ZHero (2010-05-19 15:29:30)
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#6 2010-05-18 17:41:39
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
phrontister wrote:
You're definitely not the only person to have tried this puzzle and lost sleep because of it!! I lost plenty!
I agree.. This world is full of all sorts and no wonder you may one day find your own reflection!!
phrontister wrote:
Glad you thought it was a good teaser too!
It was a Feel of Content/Satisfaction afterwards!
phrontister wrote:
But...have you actually solved each question, or just those you've ticked on the questionaire?
A little patient there my friend! I'm (slowly) posting the step by step approach!
phrontister wrote:
You're supposed to solve the lot, and only then will you be able to make sense of what mathsyperson wrote...that "there's something special about the answer".
I've perhaps got what mathsy meant there! It's really special
I'll come to that....
phrontister wrote:
I hope you didn't think that the aim was just to solve the last question, with questions 1 to 19 being there only to help you solve Q20!
you are really funny sometimes 
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#7 2010-05-18 17:52:58
- phrontister
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
#8 2010-05-18 23:22:20
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Last edited by ZHero (2010-05-19 00:09:01)
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#9 2010-05-19 15:28:23
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#10 2010-05-19 15:39:22
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Hi phrontister!
Now you can perform a of the above method and let me know of any flaws that may exist... There are only 20 Steps 
Anyways... It was a really nice puzzle and now I'm gonna start with the other one's!
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#11 2010-05-19 20:55:10
- phrontister
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Hi ZHero!
All correct and !
I'll dig up my solving notes because I'd like to see how our approaches compare; and I'll get back to you, but that might take a little while.
Glad you liked it...and thanks for posting your comments and strategy!
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
#12 2010-05-19 23:25:06
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
I can wait till then (just don't forget ok)
And i'd like to know what's special bout the answer according to you and mathsyperson??
Might be that I couldn't discover it.... 
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#13 2010-05-20 00:21:46
- phrontister
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
Hi ZHero,
I can wait till then (just don't forget
'k.
And i'd like to know what's special bout the answer according to you and mathsyperson??
I shouldn't have drawn your attention to it...it's rather lewd. Sorry.
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
#14 2010-05-21 18:19:44
- ZHero
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
I won't coerce you but lemme guess... has it got something to do with anagrams?
I found a lewd one with the answers
Last edited by ZHero (2010-05-21 18:20:13)
If two or more thoughts intersect with each other, then there has to be a point.
#15 2010-05-22 02:58:08
- phrontister
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Re: Self-Referential Aptitude Test
ZHero wrote:
has it got something to do with anagrams?
No, not at all.
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson