Truth Tellers & Liars

* journal tech
[2025-09-22 Mon]

1. Method

  1. Represent statements in logic form.

    • X is lying → ¬T(X)
    • X and Y are telling the truth → T(X) ∧ T(Y)
  2. Assign variables:

    • T(P) = P tells the truth
    • ¬T(P) = P lies
  3. Test cases:
    • Assume one person is a truth-teller, check for consistency.
    • Assume one person is a liar, check for contradictions.
  4. Eliminate contradictions until only one consistent assignment remains.

2. Example

  • A says: "B is lying."
  • B says: "A and I are telling the truth."

Case 1: A = truth-teller → B = liar → B’s statement false → consistent. Case 2: A = liar → B = truth-teller → contradiction.

→ Solution: A = truth-teller, B = liar.

3. Elsewhere

3.1. References

3.2. In my garden

Notes that link to this note (AKA backlinks).

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