Contradiction Quote by Stanisław Lem
““Once we allow the logical reconstruction of something (a being, a theodicy, and the like) to have internal self contradiction, it obviously becomes possible to prove absolutely anything, whatever one pleases. Consider how the matter lies. We are speaking of creating someone and of endowing him with a particular logic, and then demanding that this same logic be offered up in sacrifice to a belief in the Maker of all things. If this model itself is to remain noncontradictory, it calls for the application, in the form of a metalogic, of a totally different type of reasoning from that which is natural to the logic of the one created. |If that does not reveal the outright imperfection of the Creator, then it reveals a quality that I would call mathematical inelegance – a sui generic unmethodicalness (incoherence) of the creative act.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Solaris, 1961
Logical systems that contain contradictions enable any conclusion, exposing limits of rational design.
In simple terms: Contradictory logic leads to absurd conclusions.
Key Takeaway
Beware of self‑contradictory frameworks.
Themes
logic
paradox
philosophy
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- scientific theory
- artificial intelligence
- ethical design
Key Concepts
metalogic
incoherence
inelegance
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a flawless creator logically possible?
- What are the risks of building contradictory models?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may resist simple logical analysis.
![“Pure sensism leads inevitably to universal doubt; if reality is in the end reducible to sensible appearance, then, since this is in a state of perpetual flux and self-contradiction, no kind of certitude will any longer be possible. [...] Truth is necessary and immutable; but in the sensible order…” quote by Étienne Gilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5c/etienne-gilson-21565_reality_pure-sensism-leads-inevitably-to-univers_1728131.jpg)
