Self-contradiction

Self-contradiction refers to a situation or assertion in which an individual makes conflicting statements or holds opposing beliefs, creating a logical inconsistency. It illustrates a failure in coherence and can undermine the credibility of the claims being made. This concept is fundamental in logic, philosophy, and language, often leading to confusion or disputes.

Self-contradiction meaning with examples

• When she argued that everyone should be free to express their opinions but then insisted that dissenting views were unacceptable, her statements exemplified a self-contradiction that made it difficult to trust her commitment to open dialogue.
• The politician's self-contradiction was evident during the debate when he declared a commitment to reducing taxes while simultaneously advocating for increased government spending, leading many voters to question his integrity and understanding of fiscal responsibility.
• In his book on personal development, Mark presented the idea of embracing failure as a path to success but then criticized those who failed to meet certain standards, showcasing a self-contradiction that confused his readers about his true message.
• During the lecture, the professor's self-contradiction became apparent when she stated that all cultures are equally valid, yet dismissed specific traditional practices as outdated, causing students to ponder the complexity of her perspective on cultural relativism.