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Yields falsehood when preceded by its quotation

“Yields falsehood when preceded by its quotation” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
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“Yields falsehood when preceded by its quotation”

Willard Van Orman Quine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A statement becomes false if it is preceded by its own quotation, highlighting paradoxical self-reference.

In simple terms: Quoting a claim can undermine its truth.

Key Takeaway

Beware of self-referential statements that invalidate themselves.

Themes

logic paradox language

Mood

critical intellectual

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • debate
  • legal testimony
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

self-reference falsehood quotation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you think of examples where quoting a claim strengthens it?
  • When does self-reference become a rhetorical tool?
A Different Perspective

The principle may not apply to all contexts, especially informal speech.

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