Self-deception
There is a reflexive paradox (or set of paradoxes) associated with self-deception, and a variety of theories have been proposed in response, to explain self-deception. The study of reflexive paradoxes has been fruitful in the history of philosophy. Such a paradox may appear to be no more than a minor puzzle, which we will easily be able to mop up after having formulated solutions to more major problems. Sometimes the minor puzzle turns out to be surprisingly resistant to our ~mopping up~ operations; it may force us to re-think our major theories. For example the ~truth-teller~ paradox and other paradoxes of self-reference have been viewed initially as minor puzzles, while later on they have provoked major theories, e.g. theories of truth; in mathematics, Godel's theorem.
Clarke, Bernard
B Philosophy (General)
Self-deception. There is a reflexive paradox (or set of paradoxes) associated with self-deception, and a variety of theories have been proposed in response, to explain self-deception. The study of reflexive paradoxes has been fruitful in the history of philosophy. Such a paradox may appear to be no more than a minor puzzle, which we will easily be able to mop up after having formulated solutions to more major problems. Sometimes the minor puzzle turns out to be surprisingly resistant to our ~mopping up~ operations; it may force us to re-think our major theories. For example the ~truth-teller~ paradox and other paradoxes of self-reference have been viewed initially as minor puzzles, while later on they have provoked major theories, e.g. theories of truth; in mathematics, Godel's theorem.
self_deception reflexive paradox set paradox associate self_deception variety theory propose response explain self_deception study reflexive paradox fruitful history_philosophy paradox may appear minor puzzle easily able formulate solution major_problem sometimes minor puzzle turn surprisingly resistant operation may force think major theory example truth teller paradox paradox self reference view initially minor puzzle later provoke major theory theory_truth mathematics theorem