GATE ME 2019 Set 1 — Question 6

MCQ+2 / -0.67MediumDeduction & InductionAnalytical AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Analytical Aptitude → Deduction & Induction

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Under a certain legal system, prisoners are allowed to make one statement. If their statement turns out to be true then they are hanged. If the statement turns out to be false then they are shot. One prisoner made a statement and the judge had no option but to set him free. Which one of the following could be that statement?

Correct answer (C) I will be shot Solution This is a classic logical paradox. Let's analyze the statement "I will be shot": 1. If the statement is true, according to the rules, the prisoner must be hanged . However, if he is hanged, the statement "I will be shot" becomes false . This is a contradiction. 2. If the statement is false, according to the rules, the prisoner must be shot . However, if he is shot, the statement "I will be shot" becomes true . This is also a contradiction. Since neither rule can be applied without creating a logical contradiction, the judge has no choice but to set the prisoner free. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (C) I will be shot Solution This is a classic logical paradox. Let's analyze the statement "I will be shot": 1. If the statement is true, according to the rules, the prisoner must be hanged . However, if he is hanged, the statement "I will be shot" becomes false . This is a contradiction. 2. If the statement is false, according to the rules, the prisoner must be shot . However, if he is shot, the statement "I will be shot" becomes true . This is also a contradiction. Since neither rule can be applied without creating a logical contradiction, the judge has no choice but to set the prisoner free.

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