Can a Contradiction be True?

The wisdom that lies in contradictions

A Note: I am currently on a break until September. During the break free subscribers will receive one re-post of an archived post every three weeks and paid subscribers will receive two every three weeks. I have selected these because I am confident they are rich enough that a second read will be valuable.

If you would like to read a little bit about my break and how it is related to my creative process feel free to check out my latest original post, “Reflections on the Creative Process” which is pinned to the home page. Also please feel free to explore the archives during this time. All archived posts that were originally free are still free. I hope you find something valuable here weather you are reading again or for the first time. I look forward to actively re-engaging with you all in September.

In philosophy these days, the law of non-contradiction is often considered to be the nexus around which rational thought turns. Modern logicians and philosophers see a result of “both A and not A” as a sure sign of a failed theory. Philosophy now aims at neat and tidy definitions of the self, morality, God, or whatever the topic may be; definitions that avoid or resolve any internal contradictions and indeterminacies. If we look at certain areas of our everyday lives, we find that the focus on the law of non-contradiction is not limited to the academy, but as is often the case with deeply held cultural beliefs and commitments, also manifests in our community’s attitude towards more concrete topics. The leftist focus on tolerance, acknowledgment of the social causes of crime and poverty, and an overall push for more support for those who struggle in the social hierarchy is more and more becoming seen in stark contradiction to the right’s focus on work ethic and individual responsibility. Even at an interpersonal level, bumping up against seemingly contradicting ways of thinking, being, and acting can be taken as a sign that a relationship may be doomed to failure. If a family member, friend, or partner has an attitude on life, political views, or even everyday habits that conflict with ours, we can be quick to take it as a sign that the relationship will not work.