Buridan’s ass is a philosophical paradox that has been debated for centuries. It is named after the French philosopher Jean Buridan, who lived in the 14th century. The paradox is centered around the idea of a donkey that is equally hungry and thirsty and is placed equidistant between food and water, unable to decide which to go to first. This article will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of Buridan’s ass.
Definitions
Buridan’s ass is a paradox that describes a situation where a donkey is equally hungry and thirsty and is placed equidistant between food and water. The paradox arises because the donkey cannot decide which to go to first, and therefore, it dies of hunger and thirst.
Origin
The paradox of Buridan’s ass is named after the French philosopher Jean Buridan, who lived in the 14th century. The paradox was first mentioned in Buridan’s writings, but it is unclear whether he was the original creator of the paradox.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In different dictionaries, Buridan’s ass is defined as a paradox that describes a situation where a donkey is equally hungry and thirsty and is placed equidistant between food and water. The meaning of the paradox is that the donkey cannot decide which to go to first, and therefore, it dies of hunger and thirst.
Associations
Buridan’s ass is associated with the idea of indecision and the consequences of not making a decision. It is also associated with the concept of rationality and the limits of rational decision-making.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Buridan’s ass include indecision, paralysis, and impasse.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of Buridan’s ass include decisiveness, resolution, and determination.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with Buridan’s ass.
Example Sentences
- The story of Buridan’s ass is a classic example of the limits of rational decision-making.
- The paradox of Buridan’s ass is often used to illustrate the importance of making decisions in a timely manner.
- Buridan’s ass is a philosophical paradox that has puzzled scholars for centuries.
In conclusion, Buridan’s ass is a philosophical paradox that describes a situation where a donkey is equally hungry and thirsty and is placed equidistant between food and water. The paradox arises because the donkey cannot decide which to go to first, and therefore, it dies of hunger and thirst. The paradox is associated with the idea of indecision and the limits of rational decision-making.