Contradictoriness

Contradictoriness refers to the state or quality of containing mutually contradictory statements, ideas, or elements. It signifies a lack of consistency or agreement among the various parts of something, leading to conflict or incompatibility. This can apply to arguments, beliefs, theories, behaviors, or any system where components clash with each other. It's the essence of holding opposing viewpoints or presenting information that cancels itself out, creating confusion or a lack of logical coherence. The presence of contradictoriness suggests a flaw in the structure or reasoning, hindering understanding and acceptance. The level of contradictoriness can range from minor inconsistencies to major, fundamental conflicts that undermine the entire subject's validity or reliability. Examining the contradictions allows for critical analysis, refining the concepts involved to achieve a more unified and logically sound framework. It is therefore essential in examining, for example, legal, moral, or scientific debates to assess the soundness of the principles involved.

Contradictoriness meaning with examples

• The witness's testimony exhibited significant contradictoriness; one statement directly conflicted with another, making it difficult for the jury to determine the truth and casting doubt on their overall credibility. The lawyer needed to exploit these differences.
• The philosopher's treatise was criticized for its inherent contradictoriness. It espoused both libertarian and communitarian ideals, creating fundamental tension and making the practical application of its proposals impossible within a given context.
• The proposed urban development plan demonstrated contradictoriness. The stated aims to reduce traffic congestion and increase green spaces were at odds with the blueprint's design for more roads and fewer parks; each was fundamentally incompatible.
• Her public persona suffered due to the contradictoriness between her philanthropic pronouncements and reports of questionable business practices. The conflict significantly damaged her reputation, causing a loss of consumer trust.
• The novel's plotline showed a clear contradictoriness. The protagonist displayed both extraordinary courage and cowardice in similar situations. The story, because of these aspects, was ultimately seen by many as an artistic failure.