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3 Examples of the Grandfather Paradox

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The grandfather paradox is a thought experiment that considers the possible outcomes of time travel. Time enforces a strict sequence of cause and effect that could be disrupted by traveling back in time. The grandfather paradox considers what would happen if you were to travel back in time and disrupt your own birth. At first glance, this appears to be a paradox but this has several potential solutions as follows:

Causal Loop

The most obvious solution to the grandfather paradox is that it would create a loop in time, also known as a causal loop, whereby time would no longer progress but rather would endlessly repeat. This is based on the following sequence of events.

Multiple Universe Theory

Multiple universe theory is the hypothesis that everything that can happen does happen such that each possible variation spawns a different universe. Using this as an assumption, time travel simply creates a different universe and time continues in both. This would be nothing special as every decision or random event in life also creates new universes according to this hypothesis.

Novikov Principle

The Novikov principle is the theory that probabilities bend to prevent paradoxes. This would prevent you from doing anything that would disrupt your own birth. This could include zero probabilities of you meeting your grandfather such as a high probability of accidents in a time where you don't belong. For example, you might meet with a quick accident in the past that prevents you from disrupting cause and effect.
Overview: Grandfather Paradox
Type
Definition
A thought experiment that asks what would happen if you traveled in time and disrupted your own birth.
Related Concepts

Paradox

This is the complete list of articles we have written about paradox.
Abilene Paradox
Catch 22
Contradictions
Fermi Paradox
Grandfather Paradox
Infinity
Jevons Paradox
Paradox Of Choice
Password Paradox
Rational Thought
Thought Experiment
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Paradox

The definition of paradox with examples.

Paradox Of Choice

The definition of paradox of choice with examples.

Tolerance Paradox

An overview of tolerance of intolerance.

Infinity

The definition of infinity with examples.

Contradictions

A list of interesting contradictions.

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Virtue

A list of virtues including the twelve virtues of Aristotle.

Nietzsches Philosophy

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Socrates Philosophy

A summary of the philosophy of Socrates.

Alienation

The definition of alienation with examples.

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A list of the common elements of human nature.

Plato Philosophy

An overview of the important theories of Plato.

Rationalism

The definition of rationalism with examples.
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