Dictionary of Paradox

Dictionary of Paradox:  This small dictionary illustrates many of the examples used to demonstrate the concept of paradox. Paradox is defined by the authors as a statement that is absurd because it flies in the face of what is correct, proper or logical. For instance the Abilene paradox illustrates a phenomenon often observed by managers. It tells of a family relaxing on a hot afternoon in Texas when one of them suggests driving to Abilene for dinner. None of the family wants to make the four hour round trip to Abilene, but none wants to be the first to say it, so the entire family gets in the car and drives to Abilene. The paradox is that no one wanted to go, yet everyone did. Why would people do this? This entry examines the reasons behind this strange, counterproductive behavior and suggests ways for managers to avoid it. This story and many more like it are found in this intriguing volume.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, paradox is explained under its own heading and the well-known paradoxes from many branches of knowledge (science, philosophy, literature, mathematics, etc.) are found under the title of the paradox such as the Acting paradox, the Bystander Paradox, Infinite Series Paradox, Zeno’s Paradox and others. Suggestions are given at the end of each entry for further reading and research into each example.