logical contradiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "logical contradiction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement or two statements that are logically contradictory to one another. For example: "I will have the report finished by tomorrow, but I won't start it until Friday" is a logical contradiction.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The answer set semantics may assign a logic program to model, due to logical contradiction or unstable negation, which is caused by cyclic dependency of an atom on its negation.

Artificial Intelligence

Now, I realize this presents a logical contradiction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Indeed, waging war and working with the community are a logical contradiction.

The New York Times

Therefore, if this maxim were made universal, a logical contradiction would follow.

Stanford University

Even so, the complaining foreigner poses something of a logical contradiction.

The Economist

How does one fail to see the obvious logical contradiction built into that statement?

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yet later he admitted quantum mechanics doesn't contain any logical contradictions and is logically unexceptionable.

Huffington Post

Finally, perhaps the most awkward consequence of Prior's logic, however, is the fact that logical contradictions that aren't necessarily statable turn out to be weakly possible!

SEP

In an article this year titled "Multiverses and Blackberries" in The Skeptical Inquirer, Martin Gardner wrote, "Lewis seriously maintains that every logically possible universe -- that is, one with no logical contradictions such as square circles -- is somewhere out there".

The New York Times - Arts

Logical contradictions were simply disregarded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While logical contradictions can be handled with traditional techniques from paraconsistent reasoning, instability requires other methods.

Artificial Intelligence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "logical contradiction", ensure that the contradictory elements are clearly defined and their opposition is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a paradox for a "logical contradiction". A paradox presents seemingly contradictory ideas that may reveal a deeper truth upon closer examination, whereas a "logical contradiction" involves directly opposing statements that cannot both be true. Ensure the conflict is truly irreconcilable before labeling it a "logical contradiction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "logical contradiction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of inconsistency within reasoning or statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes situations where two statements cannot both be true. Many examples are used in academic and philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "logical contradiction" is a noun phrase that denotes an irreconcilable conflict between two statements or ideas. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriately used to describe when two statements cannot simultaneously be true. Its usage is common across academic, news, and scientific domains. To maintain clarity, ensure that any identified "logical contradiction" is explicitly stated and the opposing elements are clearly defined. While alternatives like "inconsistency" or "paradox" exist, each carries slightly different connotations. Therefore, “logical contradiction” is a precise way to point out a foundational flaw in reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-contradiction

Highlights that the contradiction arises from within a single source or argument, while "logical contradiction" can exist between multiple sources.

logical fallacy

Indicates a flaw in reasoning that leads to an invalid argument, of which "logical contradiction" can be one type.

inconsistency

Focuses on the lack of agreement between elements, differing from a direct clash of logical statements.

mutually exclusive

Highlights that two or more statements cannot be true simultaneously, rather than a direct contradiction in their logic.

paradox

Implies a statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth, unlike a "logical contradiction" which is inherently false.

antinomy

Refers to a contradiction arising from two equally valid principles or laws, a more formal concept than a general "logical contradiction".

intellectual conflict

Indicates a clash of ideas rather than a strictly defined logical opposition.

cognitive dissonance

Describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs, shifting the focus from logic to psychology.

conflicting viewpoints

Emphasizes differing opinions or perspectives, which may not necessarily be logically opposed.

irreconcilable differences

Focuses on the inability to bring opposing views into agreement, not specifically on logical flaws.

FAQs

How can I identify a "logical contradiction"?

A "logical contradiction" occurs when two statements cannot both be true at the same time. Look for directly opposing claims within an argument or set of statements; if one statement affirms something while the other denies it, and both cannot be simultaneously valid, you've likely found a "logical contradiction".

What's the difference between a "logical contradiction" and a paradox?

A "logical contradiction" is a direct opposition of two statements, where both cannot be true. A paradox, however, presents seemingly contradictory ideas that may reveal a deeper, often unexpected, truth upon closer examination. The key difference lies in whether the contradiction is resolvable or if it exposes a new understanding. See also "paradox".

Can a "logical contradiction" ever be useful in argumentation?

Yes, identifying a "logical contradiction" can be a powerful tool for disproving a hypothesis or argument. By demonstrating that a claim leads to a "logical contradiction", you can effectively invalidate the claim's premise or conclusion.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "logical contradiction"?

Depending on the context, you could use "inconsistency", "self-contradiction", or "logical fallacy". The best choice depends on the specific nature of the conflict you are describing. Each of those alternatives highlights a slightly different aspect of the concept.