Russell's paradox

noun

Rus·​sell's paradox
ˈrəsəlz-
: a paradox that discloses itself in forming a class of all classes that are not members of themselves and in observing that the question of whether it is true or false if this class is a member of itself can be answered both ways compare liar paradox, vicious circle principle

Word History

Etymology

after Bertrand Russell

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Russell's paradox was in 1904

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Dictionary Entries Near Russell's paradox

Cite this Entry

“Russell's paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Russell%27s%20paradox. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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