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Berry's Paradox

Started by bonanova, Sep 19 2007 09:42 AM

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38 replies to this topic

#31 bonanova

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Posted 02 October 2007 - 07:40 AM

Since Berry's Paradox leads the conclusion that there are only a finite number of integers, we must then conclude that

d) there will be a final episode of General Hospital.

However, since we know that d is impossible, we enter an entirely new kind of paradox.

I read your post way too fast, and missed [d].
Fabulous...!

Now, who's gonna tell the producers?
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#32 bonanova

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Posted 02 October 2007 - 07:45 AM

Ah, I think I get it now. The fallicy is juxtaposing the well ordered principal and the concept of "the smallest
number not specifiable using fewer than 23 syllables" to define an empty set. Sorry I was so slow on that one.

Not at all.

Re-reading my post, I don't think I made the connection clear; tossed it in as a teaser, kind of ...
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The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.
- Bertrand Russell

#33 WitchOfDoubt

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Posted 05 June 2012 - 09:06 AM

Let's make it worse.

Allow me to define a new word: 'blonk.'

Blonk is a generic term for 'the smallest number not specifiable using fewer than 23 syllables.'

Have I just specified it in one syllable?
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#34 Kikacat123

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Posted 07 April 2013 - 08:45 PM

I think that I might have an answer to this question. We were only supposed to use positive numbers, which technically, includes fractions. This is the smallest finite number that I can think of that is not specifically using fewer than 23 syllables. 1/googolplex to the googolplex power to the googolplex power...and continuing on for slightly less than infinity. This fits all requirements, but I am not sure if it is what you were looking for. It is an interesting question, though! : )

Edited by Kikacat123, 07 April 2013 - 08:53 PM.

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#35 Kikacat123

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Posted 10 April 2013 - 12:51 AM

Sorry, correction for above-"not specifiable using fewer than 23 syllables".
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#36 vigmeister

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Posted 02 May 2013 - 05:09 PM

Back here after almost 6 years of absence :) I used to be known as kingofpain, but I lost the password... I still remember discussions with bonanova, so it only made sense that start off replying to him :) 

 

An assumption you make is that all numbers are specifiable. This is not proven.

- The list of specifiable numbers with less than 23 syllables is finite.

- "The smallest number not specifiable using fewer than 23 syllables" does not exist

 

The conclusion here is that if a number is specifiable, it can be specified with less than 23 syllables. In other words, the list of specifiable numbers is finite. PAradox resolved!


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#37 iSpelBadlie

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:30 AM

the smallest number not specifiable using fewer than twenty-three syllables describes a number, and it is 23 syllables! there you have it. ^_^


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#38 iSpelBadlie

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:30 AM

i meant 22,sorry


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#39 iSpelBadlie

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Posted 07 May 2013 - 02:31 AM

and since you dont specify a number, it could be negative infinity for all i care (which is also less than 23 sylables)


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