How to Select Paradox Brain Teasers
The dictionary defines a paradox as a statement that contradicts itself. Paradox brain teasers, also called lateral thinking puzzles, are difficult because they seem to contain pieces of contradictory information that are nevertheless true. According to cognitive researchers, tackling paradoxes and other puzzles on a regular basis can help keep your brain fit and healthy as you age.
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Instructions
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Select Paradox Brain Teasers
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Review classic paradoxes at Logic Paradoxes.info online to get an idea of the type of logic you'll need to solve paradox puzzles. Read up on the Barber Paradox, the Birthday Paradox, the Liar Paradox, the Two Envelopes Paradox and the Paradox of Latent Belief.
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Check out Web sites like BrainBashers for a selection of paradox puzzles to get you started.
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Become familiar with the concepts of lateral thinking. Keep in mind that lateral thinking puzzles provide some information, but it's your job to fill in the blanks in the story to reach a logical conclusion. Be aware that there is often more than one correct answer to lateral puzzles.
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Select a lateral puzzle or paradox puzzle forum where you can share ideas and work with other puzzlers to find the answers. Remember some forums require an administrator or a person who knows the answer to the puzzle.
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Look up classic paradox stories to get a feel for the genre. Consider this one: A man and his son are in a car accident. The man dies on the scene, but the son is rushed to the hospital. When he gets there the doctor says "I can't operate on this boy. He's my son." How is this possible? The answer is that it is possible because the doctor is the boy's mother.
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Give your brain a workout by picking up a logic puzzle book like "Use It or Lose It!: How to Protect Your Most Valuable Possession".
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Tips & Warnings
Paradox teasers may feel like torture if you're looking for a single correct answer.
If you're new to paradox puzzles, don't select philosophy based puzzles at first.
Don't take all the statements at face value. Paradox puzzles often contain clues with multiple meanings.
Many paradox puzzles have dark themes.
