antinomical
Definition
- Adjective:
- Contradictory in law: "Antinomical" describes a situation where there is a contradiction between two laws or legal principles.
- Self-contradictory: More broadly, it refers to something that is inherently contradictory or paradoxical, often involving opposing principles that cannot both be true.
Usage Examples
- (The laws contradicted each other.)
- (The reasoning contained a self-contradiction.)
Advanced Usage
- "antinomical reasoning": a form of logic that involves a contradiction or paradox, often used in philosophy.
- Kant's antinomical reasoning explores the limits of human understanding in metaphysics. (His logic presents contradictory conclusions that cannot be resolved.)
Variants and Related Words
Antinomy (noun): a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are both reasonable.
- The antinomy between free will and determinism has puzzled philosophers for centuries. (The contradiction between these two ideas.)
Antinomic (adjective): another form of "antinomical", meaning the same thing.
- The antinomic principles of liberty and security often clash in political debate. (They are contradictory.)
Synonyms
- Contradictory: asserting the opposite of something.
- Paradoxical: seemingly absurd or self-contradictory, but possibly true.
- Inconsistent: not compatible with another fact or claim.
Related Idioms
- "a house divided against itself": a situation where internal contradictions lead to conflict or failure.
- The committee's antinomical goals created a house divided against itself. (The contradictory aims caused dysfunction.)