bèilùn: 悖论 - Paradox

• Keywords: 悖论, bèilùn, paradox in Chinese, Chinese paradox, logic puzzle Chinese, contradiction in Chinese, philosophical paradoxes, Chinese logic, dilemma in Chinese, catch-22 in Chinese.
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 悖论 (bèilùn), the Chinese word for paradox. This page breaks down how to use `bèilùn` to discuss everything from formal logic puzzles and philosophical questions to everyday “catch-22” situations. Learn the difference between a simple contradiction (`矛盾`) and a true paradox (`悖论`), and see how this intellectual concept applies in modern Chinese conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bèi lùn
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (Advanced Vocabulary)
• Concise Definition: A statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but contains a latent truth or arises from apparently valid reasoning.
• In a Nutshell: `悖论` is the direct Chinese equivalent of the English word “paradox.” It's used to describe any idea or situation that seems to contradict itself, creating a puzzle for the mind. Think of the phrase, “You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience”—that's a classic `悖论`. It's a word that bridges formal, academic discussion and the confusing dilemmas of everyday life.

• 悖 (bèi): This character means “to go against,” “contrary to,” or “perverse.” The left side (忄) is the “heart” radical, suggesting a feeling or state of mind. The right side (孛) is phonetic but also associated with abnormality. Together, they signify a feeling or state that goes against the normal order.
• 论 (lùn): This character means “theory,” “discourse,” or “to discuss.” The left side (言) is the “speech” radical, indicating it's related to words and communication. The right side (仑) suggests order or logic.
• When combined, 悖论 (bèilùn) literally translates to “a contrary theory” or “reasoning that goes against itself.” This beautifully captures the essence of a paradox: a logical argument that leads to an illogical or self-contradictory conclusion.

The term `悖论` is largely a modern one, adopted to translate the formal Western concept of a “paradox” as studied in logic, math, and philosophy. While ancient Chinese philosophy, especially Daoism (道家), is filled with paradoxical statements, they were traditionally seen as expressions of profound wisdom (`智慧, zhìhuì`) rather than logical puzzles to be “solved.” For example, a famous line from the Dao De Jing is “大音希声” (dà yīn xī shēng), meaning “The greatest sound is silent.” This is a deeply paradoxical idea. A Chinese philosopher might analyze its spiritual meaning, while a Western-trained logician might label it a `悖论`. The key cultural difference is in the approach. The Western concept of “paradox,” which `悖论` directly translates, often implies a problem in logic that needs to be resolved or a flaw in the premises. The traditional Chinese embrace of paradoxical statements, however, often sees the contradiction not as a problem, but as a pointer towards a deeper, more holistic truth that transcends simple, dualistic logic. In modern China, both perspectives exist, and `悖论` is the term used for either context.

`悖论` is a versatile word used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Academic and Formal Settings: In universities or intellectual discussions, `悖论` refers to classic paradoxes in philosophy, physics, and mathematics.
  • *Examples:* The Liar Paradox (说谎者悖论), Grandfather Paradox (祖父悖论), Zeno's Paradox (芝诺悖论).
• Everyday Conversation: In daily life, people use `悖论` to describe a “catch-22” or any frustrating, circular dilemma. It's a slightly more intellectual way of saying “what a contradictory situation!”
  • *Example:* Complaining about social media: “The more we use technology to connect, the more isolated we feel. It's such a 悖论.”
• Connotation and Formality: The word is neutral and carries a slightly formal or educated tone. Using it shows you can see the deeper, structural contradiction in a situation, rather than just a simple problem.

• Example 1:
  • 这是一个经典的悖论：我需要工作经验才能找到工作，但我需要一份工作才能获得经验。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge jīngdiǎn de bèilùn: wǒ xūyào gōngzuò jīngyàn cáinéng zhǎodào gōngzuò, dàn wǒ xūyào yí fèn gōngzuò cáinéng huòdé jīngyàn.
  • English: This is a classic paradox: I need work experience to find a job, but I need a job to get experience.
  • Analysis: This is the most common, everyday use of `悖论`, describing a “catch-22” situation. It's relatable and perfectly illustrates the concept.
• Example 2:
  • “这句话是假的”这个陈述本身就是一个逻辑悖论。
  • Pinyin: “Zhè jù huà shì jiǎ de” zhège chénshù běnshēn jiùshì yí ge luójí bèilùn.
  • English: The statement “This sentence is false” is itself a logical paradox.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows the academic use of `悖论`, referring to the famous “Liar's Paradox” from formal logic (逻辑, luójí).
• Example 3:
  • 时间旅行的故事常常会探讨“祖父悖论”。
  • Pinyin: Shíjiān lǚxíng de gùshi chángcháng huì tàntǎo “zǔfù bèilùn”.
  • English: Time travel stories often explore the “Grandfather Paradox.”
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how `悖论` is used in discussions about science fiction and popular culture.
• Example 4:
  • 节俭悖论是经济学中的一个有趣概念。
  • Pinyin: Jiéjiǎn bèilùn shì jīngjìxué zhōng de yí ge yǒuqù gàiniàn.
  • English: The Paradox of Thrift is an interesting concept in economics.
  • Analysis: Here, `悖论` is used as a specific term within an academic field (经济学, jīngjìxué).
• Example 5:
  • 他既渴望自由，又害怕孤独，整个人生都充满了悖论。
  • Pinyin: Tā jì kěwàng zìyóu, yòu hàipà gūdú, zhěnggè rénshēng dōu chōngmǎn le bèilùn.
  • English: He both longs for freedom and fears loneliness; his whole life is full of paradoxes.
  • Analysis: This is a more literary or psychological use of the word, describing a person's internal conflicts.
• Example 6:
  • 科技越发达，人们似乎越焦虑，这真是一个现代悖论。
  • Pinyin: Kējì yuè fādá, rénmen sìhū yuè jiāolǜ, zhè zhēnshì yí ge xiàndài bèilùn.
  • English: The more advanced technology becomes, the more anxious people seem to be. This is truly a modern paradox.
  • Analysis: This shows `悖论` used for social commentary, pointing out a counter-intuitive trend in society.
• Example 7:
  • 你能解释一下这个悖论到底是怎么回事吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià zhège bèilùn dàodǐ shì zěnme huí shì ma?
  • English: Can you explain what's really going on with this paradox?
  • Analysis: A simple, practical question asking for clarification.
• Example 8:
  • 这不只是一个简单的矛盾，这是一个需要我们深刻思考的悖论。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù zhǐshì yí ge jiǎndān de máodùn, zhè shì yí ge xūyào wǒmen shēnkè sīkǎo de bèilùn.
  • English: This isn't just a simple contradiction; it's a paradox that requires our deep reflection.
  • Analysis: This sentence explicitly contrasts `悖论` with `矛盾` (máodùn), highlighting its deeper, more complex nature.
• Example 9:
  • 芝诺悖论让我们重新思考了空间和时间的概念。
  • Pinyin: Zhīnuò bèilùn ràng wǒmen chóngxīn sīkǎo le kōngjiān hé shíjiān de gàiniàn.
  • English: Zeno's Paradox made us rethink the concepts of space and time.
  • Analysis: A historical and philosophical use of the term, referencing a specific, famous paradox.
• Example 10:
  • 他的计划听起来像个悖论：为了省钱，我们得先花一大笔钱。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jìhuà tīng qǐlái xiàng ge bèilùn: wèile shěng qián, wǒmen děi xiān huā yí dà bǐ qián.
  • English: His plan sounds like a paradox: in order to save money, we have to first spend a lot of money.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates an informal, conversational use to describe a plan that seems counter-intuitive.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 悖论 (bèilùn) and 矛盾 (máodùn).

• 悖论 (bèilùn) vs. 矛盾 (máodùn) - Paradox vs. Contradiction
  • 矛盾 (máodùn) means “contradiction.” It refers to two or more things (statements, facts, actions) that are logically inconsistent and cannot coexist. It's a very common, everyday word.
    • *Example:* 他说他没钱，但他昨天刚买了一辆新车，这很矛盾。 (Tā shuō tā méi qián, dàn tā zuótiān gāng mǎi le yí liàng xīn chē, zhè hěn máodùn.) - He said he has no money, but he just bought a new car yesterday. That's a contradiction.
  • 悖论 (bèilùn) is a specific, more complex type of contradiction. It's an argument that appears to be built on sound logic but results in a self-contradictory or impossible conclusion. A `矛盾` is simply an inconsistency; a `悖论` is a puzzle that challenges the very foundation of our reasoning.
• Common Mistake Example:
  • Incorrect: 天气预报说今天会下雨，但是现在是晴天。这是一个悖论。
  • Why it's wrong: A wrong weather forecast is simply a discrepancy between a prediction and reality. It's a simple contradiction, not a logical paradox.
  • Correct: 天气预报说今天会下雨，但是现在是晴天。这真矛盾。 (zhè zhēn máodùn.) - The forecast said it would rain, but it's sunny. This is so contradictory.

• 矛盾 (máodùn) - Contradiction. The broader, more common term for any inconsistency. `悖论` is a special kind of `矛盾`.
• 两难 (liǎngnán) - Dilemma; predicament. Often the result of a paradoxical situation where any choice leads to an undesirable outcome.
• 逻辑 (luójí) - Logic. The field of study where formal paradoxes are analyzed. This is a loanword from “logic.”
• 哲学 (zhéxué) - Philosophy. The academic discipline that frequently deals with paradoxes concerning reality, knowledge, and existence.
• 自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) - To contradict oneself. An idiom describing the act of being contradictory.
• 谬论 (miùlùn) - Fallacy; absurd theory. A `谬论` is an argument based on flawed reasoning. A `悖论` is an argument based on (seemingly) correct reasoning that leads to a bizarre result.
• 荒谬 (huāngmiù) - Absurd; preposterous. Describes the feeling a paradox might give you, but `荒谬` implies something is nonsensical, while `悖论` has an underlying, if puzzling, logic.