Aporia - an irresolvable internal contradiction or logical disjunction in a text, argument, or theory: the celebrated aporia whereby a Cretan declares all Cretans to be liars. Paradox - a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true. The difference between paradox and aporia is that aporia is a self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa; while paradox is an expression of deliberation with oneself regarding uncertainty or doubt as to how to proceed.