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Russell's paradox (RUS-uhls PAR-uh-doks) noun
A paradox of set theory in which an object is defined in terms of a class of objects that contains the object being defined, resulting in a logical contradiction. [Named after Bertrand Russell (1872-1970).] `Post No Bills.' "Professor Howard Shane of Baruch College (CUNY) wonders if there is a Russell's Paradox in the accompanying picture." Allan J. Rossman & Beth L. Chance, Teaching the reasoning of statistical inference, The College Mathematics Journal, Sep 1, 1999. This week's theme: syndromes, paradoxes, laws, and principles. ............................................................................. If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. -Anne Bradstreet Send your comments about words to anu@wordsmith.org. To subscribe or unsubscribe A.Word.A.Day, send a message to wsmith@wordsmith.org with "Subject:" line as "subscribe <Your Name<" or "unsubscribe". Archives, FAQ, gift subscription form, and more at: http://wordsmith.org/awad/ Pronunciation: http://wordsmith.org/words/russells_paradox.wav http://wordsmith.org/words/russells_paradox.ram
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