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#1 2011-01-30 02:19:53

byronjordan
Member
Registered: 2011-01-30
Posts: 14

Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Am I overthinking this?

Thanks,
Byron

Last edited by byronjordan (2011-01-30 07:16:47)

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#2 2011-01-31 02:31:21

mathsyperson
Moderator
Registered: 2005-06-22
Posts: 4,900

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Haha, I love your thinking.


Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

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#3 2011-02-03 07:39:07

markedaxe
Member
Registered: 2011-02-02
Posts: 5

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

byronjordan,

I think the tricky part is the word "statement". I believe anything that includes "...will..." is not really a statement for the very reason we can not evaluate it (true or falls)

What about the statement: "2*2 will be 26". Is it true or falls?
I have a better statement "1+1 is 2 and 1+1=10" (sure - binary). Each part as a separate sentence is true, so it must be true, yet ...

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#4 2011-02-03 09:27:18

mathsyperson
Moderator
Registered: 2005-06-22
Posts: 4,900

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Paradoxical statements don't bother the King.

If the prisoner gives a true statement, then the King is forced to have him eaten by lions.
If the prisoner gives a false statement, then the King is forced to have him trampled by buffalo.
If the prisoner gives a statement that is neither true nor false, then the King has no obligations and can kill the prisoner however he chooses.


Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

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