
contradiction
A contradiction occurs when two statements or ideas cannot both be true at the same time. For example, if someone says, "It is raining outside," and another person says, "It is not raining outside," these statements directly oppose each other. In general knowledge, recognizing contradictions is essential for critical thinking, as it helps identify errors in reasoning or inconsistencies in information. Being able to point out contradictions allows us to clarify misunderstandings and evaluate the truthfulness of claims in various discussions, debates, or analyses.