We are always solving problems, some of which have instantly obvious solutions and others that do not. In the latter case, the word puzzle comes to mind instead. A problem can be defined therefore as ...

Ancient Greek philosophers used paradoxes for all sorts of reasons, from sharpening their dialectical skills and showing philosophical opponents were talking nonsense to serious philosophical inquiry ...

Many scientists hold the belief that the paradoxes associated with time travel, which have perplexed thinkers for centuries, can indeed be resolved. This notion arises from various scientific theories ...

Candidates and commentators in both of our dominant tribes lately claim that every national election is the last chance to save America from all manner of calamities. Then, once elected, our national ...

Eduardo Ariedo is a video game journalist known among friends for leading Bohemians, an Irish football club, to a Champions League title in Football Manager—just mention the game, and his eyes light ...

Civil engineers can rightfully claim that no two bridges are exactly alike. However, bridges share many known characteristics, and the materials they are built with have known characteristics.

Editor’s Note: Published in 1957, this article comes from Martin Gardner’s legendary Scientific American column Mathematical Games. Read more in our special digital issue, Fun and Games. A paradox is ...