LLMs Fail to Resolve Paradoxes When Organisations Find Solutions to Innovate

In an era dominated by AI, we find ourselves equipped with new tools to explore age-old questions that have puzzled thinkers for centuries. But are they taking us any closer to the truth than the curious human mind?A Praxis research team explores

Great innovations often happen at the intersection of philosophy, paradoxes, and incredibly curious minds. More than problems, which have straightforward solutions, organisations frequently encounter paradoxes such as the need for both exploration (innovation) and exploitation (efficiency). Companies that successfully navigate such tensions often create hybrid structures or adopt ambidextrous strategies that allow them to pursue both goals simultaneously.

For example, firms like Google have established “innovation labs” that operate semi-independently from their core business units – enabling them to explore new technologies while still focusing on their primary revenue-generating activities. This ability to manage conflicting demands has resulted in numerous technological advancements and product innovations.

Apple’s strategy and its founder Steve Jobs’ messages are almost like a masterclass in figuring out answers to some of the most profound contradictions of our times. The company embodies a juxtaposition of contradictory forces – exclusivity versus accessibility. The world’s most valuable company positions its products as premium offerings with higher price points, which can alienate some potential customers. However, by maintaining high standards of quality and user experience, Apple cultivates an image of exclusivity that many consumers find appealing. This paradox allows Apple to command significant market share in profitable segments while still reaching a broad audience through its various product lines.

Philosophy and technology have always shared a deep connection, each pushing the boundaries of human understanding and inquiry. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, we find ourselves equipped with new tools to explore age-old questions that have puzzled thinkers for centuries. AI, particularly systems like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, is not just a means of processing information; it’s an ally in our quest for truth, helping us navigate the labyrinth of paradoxes that define our existence.

Nevertheless, these tools often fall far short of the curious human mind when answering philosophical riddles. The Praxis research team asked both DeepSeek and ChatGPT to find answers to some of the world’s most challenging paradoxes. The outcomes given below mirrors how Large Language Models still have a lot to cover when attempting to figure out the responses to these contradictions.

The Liar’s Labyrinth: When Language Bites Back

Consider the Liar Paradox: “This sentence is false.” It’s a tricky statement that leaves us tangled in contradictions. If it’s true, then it must be false, and if it’s false, then it must be true. DeepSeek approaches this conundrum by introducing the idea of different levels of truth – like layers of a cake – where a statement can’t refer to its own truth value. Instead of trying to solve the paradox, it shows us how language can sometimes lead us into confusing territory.ChatGPT takes a similar route by recognising that the paradox arises from how we use language. It points out that modern thinkers have come up with ways to deal with self-referential statements, suggesting that the real lesson here is about the quirks of language itself.

The Ship of Theseus: What Makes Us Who We Are?

Imagine a ship where every plank is replaced over time. Is it still the same ship? This thought experiment raises questions about identity. DeepSeek channels philosophers like David Hume to argue that our sense of identity is more about continuity and perception than fixed characteristics. In today’s world – where everything from our bodies to AI models undergoes constant change – identity becomes less about what we are and more about the stories we tell ourselves.ChatGPT echoes this sentiment, emphasising that our understanding of who we are evolves with our experiences. Identity isn’t a static label; it’s a narrative shaped by time and circumstance.

Time Traveller’s Grandfather Paradox: The Fragility of Cause and Effect

The Grandfather Paradox is a classic time travel dilemma: if you go back in time and prevent your grandfather from having children, how could you even exist? DeepSeek navigates this tricky scenario by discussing theories like the Novikov self-consistency principle, which suggests that time travel could be possible if history corrects itself. Alternatively, the Everett-Wheeler multiverse theory posits that every action creates new timelines.ChatGPT adds another layer by pointing out that our fascination with these paradoxes reveals more about our desire for agency than about time itself. Even in hypothetical scenarios, we’re eager to explore how much control we really have over our destinies.

Fermi’s Cosmic Silence: Where Are All the Aliens?

Enrico Fermi famously asked, “Where is everybody?” in reference to the apparent absence of extraterrestrial life despite the vastness of the universe. DeepSeek dives into various theories – from catastrophic events preventing advanced life (the Great Filter) to aliens choosing not to interact with us (the Zoo Hypothesis). It challenges us to rethink what “life” means in this context.ChatGPT contributes to this discussion by highlighting numerous possibilities for why we haven’t made contact with extraterrestrial civilisations. Perhaps we’re simply early in a cosmic timeline or maybe intelligent life tends to self-destruct before making contact. The Fermi Paradox serves as a humbling reminder of our limited understanding of life beyond Earth.

The Paradox of Knowing: Embracing Uncertainty

Critics often argue that paradoxes expose AI’s limitations – machines can’t fully grasp human complexities. However, DeepSeek treats these paradoxes as opportunities for exploration rather than problems needing solutions. It reflects humanity’s journey through uncertainty, echoing Socrates’ wisdom that true knowledge begins with recognising our ignorance.ChatGPT mirrors this approach by emphasising that paradoxes encourage us to question our assumptions and embrace ambiguity.

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Indeed, paradoxes remind us that navigating uncertainty is part of what makes us human.As we explore these ancient riddles with the help of AI, we find not only challenges but also opportunities for deeper understanding. Ultimately, we are reminded that uncertainty can be a source of inspiration rather than fear. Embracing these profound questions allows us to celebrate the beauty of inquiry itself, making each moment spent pondering life’s enigmas both enchanting and essential.