Friday, July 08, 2011
We all know of the Pinocchio Paradox: It is universally believed that Pinocchio's nose grows only when he lies. Under this condition, we are faced with the dilemma of what will happen if Pinocchio says "My nose will grow now." If he is lying, his nose should grow, but if his nose grows, then he is actually telling the truth. On the other hand, if he is telling the truth and his nose starts growing, then it will violate the condition that his nose grows when he is lying.
But, what most philosophers missed (or simply ignored) is recorded in the above photo. It’s a rare photo, believe it or not, often overlooked. It is the day the magic fairy gave Pinocchio a very special gift – something he’d enjoy for the rest of his life, and it would grow under many circumstances whether he was telling the truth or not. (Unfortunately, you can’t see it because his right foot is blocking it. After all, this WAS back in MCMLXXXI, and people were a bit more prudish back then.)
