self-reference problem

[/sɛlf ˈrɛfərəns ˈprɑbləm/]
nounpl: self-reference problems
problema de autorreferência
1. A logical or semantic issue that arises when a statement, definition, or system refers to itself, potentially creating paradoxes or circular reasoning
The liar's paradox is a classic self-reference problem where a statement claims its own falsity.
O paradoxo do mentiroso é um problema de autorreferência clássico onde uma afirmação afirma sua própria falsidade.
2. In programming and computer science, a situation where code or data structures reference themselves, which may cause infinite loops or recursive issues if not properly managed
The developer had to carefully handle the self-reference problem in the recursive function to avoid stack overflow.
O desenvolvedor teve que lidar cuidadosamente com o problema de autorreferência na função recursiva para evitar estouro de pilha.
3. In philosophy and formal logic, the difficulty that emerges when analyzing statements or concepts that apply to themselves
Gödel's incompleteness theorems highlight the self-reference problem in formal axiomatic systems.
Os teoremas da incompletude de Gödel destacam o problema de autorreferência em sistemas axiomáticos formais.
This term is primarily used in academic, philosophical, and technical contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It gained prominence with the rise of formal logic and computer science in the 20th century. In Brazilian universities, particularly in engineering and computer science departments, understanding self-reference problems is crucial for advanced coursework. The concept has philosophical implications in both cultures, often discussed in courses on logic, mathematics, and theoretical computer science.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
self-reference paradoxcircular reference problemself-referential problemreflexivity problemautorreferência
Antonyms / Antônimos
linear logicnon-circular reasoningexternal reference

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
problema de autorreferência
Standard academic and technical term used in computer science and logic
São Paulo
problema de autorreferência
Commonly used in tech industry and universities
Rio de Janeiro
problema de autorreferência
Academic usage similar to São Paulo
Portugal
problema de auto-referência
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese but may use hyphenation; sometimes 'problema de referência circular'

Related Words

paradoxrecursioncircular reasoninglogicsemanticGödelliar's paradoxinfinite loop

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught in a loop
looking in a mirror
eating your own tail (ouroboros reference)
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