An inconsistent triad consists of three propositions of which at most two can be true. For example:
- Alice loves me.
- If Alice loves me, she would have sent flowers.
- Alice hasn't sent flowers.
If one finds oneself believing all three propositions of an inconsistent triad, then (to be rational) one must give up or modify at least one of those beliefs. Maybe Alice doesn't love me, or maybe she wouldn't send flowers to me if she did, or maybe she actually has sent flowers.
Read more about Inconsistent Triad: The Problem of Evil
Famous quotes containing the word inconsistent:
“Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.”
—Harriet Martineau (1802–1876)