Crocodile closure
Crocodile Closure is a classic ancient dialectical paradox that refers to a fictional conversation between a crocodile and a mother. The crocodile stole a child from the mother. Upon being asked by the mother to return the child, the crocodile promises to return the child if and only if the mother correctly guesses what it will do to the child.
In this way, the mother should be subject to a catch .
She answers namely, the crocodile will the child back , it will be according to the logic of their proposal made with the utmost safety their child lose because the crocodile yes than Raiders of the child's interest to keep the child.
But if she answers that the crocodile does not give the child back in accordance with this assumed interest , then she puts the crocodile in an argumentative dilemma . If the crocodile keeps the child, it is against its own word. The crocodile can only answer that it does not feel bound by its word, since the mother herself has ruled out the logical possibility of return through her answer. The mother can only claim her child back in accordance with the contract.
See also
literature
Schischkoff, Georgi (Hrsg.): Philosophical dictionary. Alfred Kröner-Verlag, Stuttgart 14th edition 1982, ISBN 3-520-01321-5 , keyword crocodile closure, page 381