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From: gwyn@brl-tgr.ARPA (Doug Gwyn <gwyn>)
Newsgroups: net.puzzle
Subject: Re: A logic(?) Puzzle (SPOILER)
Message-ID: <1406@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Thu, 9-Jan-86 15:09:07 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.1406
Posted: Thu Jan  9 15:09:07 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 12-Jan-86 13:01:30 EST
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Organization: Ballistic Research Lab
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> Someone once wrote Martin Gardner a letter discussing the problem of the nature
> of lying.  It appears in the book "Mathematical Puzzles & Diversions" by Martin
> Gardner.  It comes to the conclusion that the most general solution is to ask
> the question: "Did you know that they are serving free beer in the village?"
> (or wherever it is that you want to go).  The truth-teller will say "no" and
> head for the village.  The non-deceptive liar will say "yes" and head for the
> village.  The deceptive liar will say, "Ugh! I hate beer!", and also head for
> the village.
> 
> It's really worth it to get a buy a copy of this book, if only to have the
> letter.  It's the funniest response to a logic problem I have ever read.

Another reason people should read all the Martin Gardner collections
from the Scientific American "Mathematical Games" column is that it
would cut down on rehashing of old, well-known puzzles in this news
group.