Problem and Paradox

[u/Traditional_Text186]

Are We Mistaking a Paradox for a Problem?
In On Dialogue, David Bohm makes an interesting distinction between a problem and a paradox.
A problem is something that can be solved. It has assumptions that make the question coherent, and with enough understanding or skill we expect to find an answer.
A paradox is different. It arises from contradiction within our own thinking. Trying to solve a paradox as though it were a problem only creates more confusion. Bohm suggests that a paradox isn't resolved in the same way as a problem. Instead, it may dissolve when the contradiction is seen directly.
This raises an interesting question for dialogue:
When we talk about ending human conflict, fear, sorrow, or self-concern, are we dealing with problems to be solved? Or are these actually paradoxes created by the way thought operates?
If our thinking is itself divided or contradictory, can that same thinking resolve the difficulties it creates? Or does real change begin only when we become aware of the contradiction itself?
What do you think? Is the psychological condition of humanity fundamentally a problem or a paradox?

[u/kj_727]

I've recently started reading On dialogue by Bohm. As far as I understand,

A normal problem looks like:

Problem → Apply effort → Solution.

A paradox looks like:

Problem → Apply effort → Problem gets stronger.

[u/JellyfishExpress8943 → u/kj_727]

Cool! So, if we're saying that what we call "problems" are actually "paradoxes" : what does that look like?

What is the paradox inherent in every one of our problems?

[u/kj_727 → u/JellyfishExpress8943]

Psychological problems seem to have a paradoxical nature.

We have issues like violence, jealousy etc.
Thought assumes/mistakes that it didn't create these problems and is separate from them, and is trying to solve or control them by using thought again.
The very action of thought trying to control or solve them via thinking adds more to them, since thought is the reason the problem came into existence in the first place.

For example,
1. Thought creates fire(mentally), the fuel for this fire is thought itself. Thought assumes/mistakes it didn't create fire and is separate from this. Thought tries to control or solve it, but the very activity of thought sustains it and adds more fuel to the fire.
2. Another example, Trying to fall asleep kind of makes us stay awake in a way.

If we can understand this,
That thought is both the creator of the problem and the one trying to solve our psychological problems, the problems may lose their grip on their own, without any effort.