“Saying "this sentence is false" is a fallacy.”
Usage Entry 1386 / 1605 60-second read
Paradox vs. Fallacy
A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth versus a flawed argument.
The comparisoni
“Saying "this sentence is false" is a paradox — paradoxes seem contradictory but illuminate. Fallacies are flawed reasoning that look valid but aren't.”
The ruleii
¶
PARADOX = surprising truth. FALLACY = bad logic.
PARADOX is an apparent contradiction that, on inspection, reveals something true (Zeno's, Russell's, the Liar). FALLACY is a flawed argument — the conclusion doesn't follow (straw man, ad hominem, false dilemma). Paradoxes teach; fallacies mislead.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Paradox illuminates. Fallacy misleads.