In a manner of avoiding the question or joking, it can be said that "the chicken" came first—in the structure of the question, simply because the words "the chicken" are said before the words "the egg" when the question is asked. In a question that is phrased differently, the answer would be different. Similarly, Randy Garner jokingly refers to an encyclopedic solution:[18]
“ These supporters call attention to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (2001). Upon careful examination of the entries and accompanying definitions, one can accurately assert that “chicken” is found on page 232, while “egg” is not found until page 398. Therefore, according to this argument, chicken clearly comes before egg. ”
In a manner of avoiding the question or joking, it can be said that "the chicken" came first—in the structure of the question, simply because the words "the chicken" are said before the words "the egg" when the question is asked. In a question that is phrased differently, the answer would be different. Similarly, Randy Garner jokingly refers to an encyclopedic solution:[18]
“ These supporters call attention to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (2001). Upon careful examination of the entries and accompanying definitions, one can accurately assert that “chicken” is found on page 232, while “egg” is not found until page 398. Therefore, according to this argument, chicken clearly comes before egg. ”