Dive into the intriguing realm of mathematical paradoxes with this curated list of documentaries. These films not only challenge our understanding of logic and numbers but also offer a glimpse into the minds of those who grapple with these perplexing concepts. Whether you're a math enthusiast or just curious about the mysteries of the universe, these documentaries will provide both entertainment and enlightenment.
The Infinite Hotel Paradox (2015)
Description: This documentary explores the famous paradox of Hilbert's paradox of the Grand Hotel, where an infinite number of guests can still accommodate more. It delves into the concept of infinity in mathematics and its implications.
Fact: The film was inspired by a thought experiment by David Hilbert, a German mathematician known for his work in infinite sets.
30 Days Free
The Barber Paradox (2018)
Description: Focused on Russell's Paradox, this film examines the logical conundrum of a barber who shaves all and only those men in town who do not shave themselves. It's a journey into self-reference and logical paradoxes.
Fact: The paradox was first formulated by the British philosopher and logician Bertrand Russell.
30 Days Free
The Monty Hall Problem (2013)
Description: This documentary tackles the famous probability puzzle from the game show "Let's Make a Deal." It explains why switching doors increases your chances of winning, despite initial intuition suggesting otherwise.
Fact: The problem was named after Monty Hall, the original host of the show, and it sparked widespread debate when first published in a newspaper column.
30 Days Free
The Banach-Tarski Paradox (2020)
Description: Delving into one of the most counterintuitive results in mathematics, this film explains how a solid ball can be divided into a finite number of pieces and reassembled into two balls of the same size.
Fact: The paradox is named after Stefan Banach and Alfred Tarski, who first described it in
30 Days Free
The Liar Paradox (2017)
Description: This documentary explores the classic paradox where a statement like "This statement is false" leads to a logical contradiction. It discusses its implications in philosophy, logic, and even computer science.
Fact: The Liar Paradox has been discussed since ancient times, with references in works by Eubulides of Miletus.
30 Days Free
The Unexpected Hanging Paradox (2016)
Description: A judge tells a prisoner he will be hanged on one of the next seven days, but the execution will be a surprise. This film explores how this scenario leads to a paradox about predictability and surprise.
Fact: The paradox was popularized in the 1940s by the philosopher Raymond Smullyan.
30 Days Free
The Newcomb's Paradox (2019)
Description: This documentary examines the decision theory paradox where a person must choose between two boxes, one transparent with a known amount and one opaque with an unknown amount, based on predictions about their choice.
Fact: The paradox was first presented by physicist William Newcomb in the 1960s.
30 Days Free
The Zeno's Paradoxes (2014)
Description: Focusing on Zeno of Elea's paradoxes, this film discusses how motion and change can be logically argued to be impossible, challenging our understanding of time and space.
Fact: Zeno's paradoxes were formulated to support Parmenides' doctrine that "all is one" and that change is an illusion.
30 Days Free
The Sorites Paradox (2021)
Description: Also known as the paradox of the heap, this documentary investigates how vague predicates can lead to paradoxical results, like when a single grain of sand can make a heap.
Fact: The term "sorites" comes from the Greek word for "heap."
30 Days Free
The Achilles and the Tortoise (2012)
Description: This film explores one of Zeno's most famous paradoxes, where Achilles can never overtake the Tortoise in a race, due to the infinite series of distances he must cover.
Fact: The paradox was famously discussed by Aristotle in his "Physics," where he attempted to refute it.
30 Days Free
