Definition of Paradox: A paradox is a statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems logically unacceptable or self-contradictory. Paradoxes are often used in philosophy to illustrate complex problems, in literature for dramatic or comedic effect, and in rhetoric to provoke thought. They typically challenge intuition or common sense, requiring deeper analysis to understand their underlying truths or fallacies.
Origin: The term “paradox” originates from the Greek word “paradoxon,” which means “contrary to expectation.” It is composed of two parts: “para,” meaning “against” or “contrary to,” and “doxa,” meaning “opinion” or “belief.”
- Greek Roots: In Greek, a paradox was something that was contrary to prevailing beliefs or expectations.
- Latin and English Adoption: The word was adopted into Latin as “paradoxum,” which then entered English as “paradox” in the 16th century.
In its journey from Greek to English, the term has retained its fundamental meaning of a statement that defies expectation or conventional wisdom, challenging our understanding of logic and reason.
