The Cretan Problem

The Cretan Problem refers to an ancient paradox described by the philosopher Epimenides, who stated, "All Cretans are liars." If true, then Epimenides himself, a Cretan, would be lying, suggesting his statement is false and that not all Cretans are liars. If false, then some Cretans tell the truth, meaning his claim is inaccurate. This self-referential paradox highlights issues in logic and language, illustrating how certain statements can create contradictions when they refer to themselves or a group they belong to. It remains a foundational example in discussions of logic and semantics.