12:04 pm
TallMike
Done, but raised big question in my mind: is demonstrating that using one of two choices leads to a contradiction essentially the same thing as guessing and finding out whether the guess was correct?
12:50 pm
jackt
If it doesn't then check your premises, there is a contradiction (you missed) which means there were three choices. Ayn Rand... not.
2:58 pm
UnikeTheHunter
Yes, TallMike, they should work out the same. But doing it all in your head is more challenging, not a source of shame.
3:20 pm
TallMike
I totally agree with Unike that doing it all in your head is more challenging. But what if the puzzle presents an either/or option with a second independent either/or option that must also be dealt with? Is there a limit to how far ahead you can see without actually determining the outcome of at least one, and maybe two or three, of the possible choices? Can guessing actually be a legitimate and necessary process of elimination, without which there is no logical path to a solution?
