(Psychological Paradoxes & Puzzles — 7)
Still more "In-Out" Paradoxes
The following paradoxes have roughly the same form.
1.
Assumption-a: Last night I was in one of my own dreams.
Assumption-b: Dreams (according to many contemporary dream theories) are chemical reactions within my brain (maybe within the pons).
Assumption-c: If x is in y and y is in z, then x is in z.
Conclusion: Last night I was in my brain (maybe inside the pons).
However: Last night I was neither in part of my brain nor in my whole brain; I was in my bed.
2.
Assumption-a: I am in some of my dreams — full bodied — with arms, legs, head, etc.
Assumption-b: Dreams are chemical reactions in my brain.
Assumption-c: If x is in y and y is in z, then x is in z.
Conclusion: Sometimes I am in my brain, complete with arms, legs, head, etc. At other times I am not.
However: My head, arms, and legs are never in my brain.
3.
Assumption-a: I have dreamed of the whole universe.
Assumption-b: Dreams are chemical reactions in my brain.
Assumption-c: If x is in y and y is in z, then x is in z.
Conclusion: On certain occasions, the whole universe has been in my brain.
However: The universe is never in my brain.