First Socratic Paradox

Paradox

Socrates was supposed to have said:

I know nothing at all.

In which case, how does Socrates know that he knows nothing?

Resolution

If he knows that he knows nothing, then it is false that he knows nothing, because there's (at least) one fact he has knowledge of: his lack of knowledge.

Hence I know nothing at all must always be false, whoever utters it.

Source of Name

This entry was named for Socrates.

Also see

• Second Socratic Paradox