self-referential definition
[/sɛlf rɛfəˈrenʃəl ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən/]
nounpl: self-referential definitions
definição autorreferencial
1. A definition that refers to itself, either directly or indirectly, often creating a logical loop or circular reasoning
The definition 'a dictionary is a book that contains definitions found in dictionaries' is a self-referential definition.
A definição 'um dicionário é um livro que contém definições encontradas em dicionários' é uma definição autorreferencial.
2. In logic and mathematics, a statement or formula that refers to itself as part of its own definition, which may lead to paradoxes
Gödel's incompleteness theorem deals with self-referential definitions in formal systems.
O teorema da incompletude de Gödel lida com definições autoreferenciáis em sistemas formais.
3. In linguistics and semiotics, a word or expression that describes or defines itself
The word 'word' is self-referential because it is a word that refers to words.
A palavra 'palavra' é autorreferencial porque é uma palavra que se refere a palavras.
Self-referential definitions are primarily discussed in academic and technical contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, this concept is common in philosophy, linguistics, and computer science courses. The term is used interchangeably with 'definição circular' (circular definition) in Portuguese-speaking academic communities. Famous examples like the paradox of the barber or Russell's paradox are used to illustrate the logical problems with such definitions.
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