# Self-Referential Inconsistency Self-referential inconsistency occurs when an argument undermines itself because it includes a statement that, if true, would invalidate the argument or one of its foundational claims. A good example of this is: “Language is an unreliable way to convey meaning” while using language to communicate this idea. If language were truly unreliable, the statement could not be trusted either. Similarly, if philosophy were inherently unreliable, the reliability claims about mathematics and physics (which are rooted in philosophical reasoning) become suspect. A good example of self-referential inconsistency can be seen in the [reductionist mistake](Reductionism.md). --- Date: 20241027 Links to: [Reductionism](Reductionism.md) [Philosophy](Philosophy.md) Tags: References: * []()