7.4. Several knights and liars are standing in a circle, all of different heights. Each of them said the phrase: "I am taller than exactly one of my neighbors." Could there have been exactly 2023 liars among those standing in the circle? (Knights always tell the truth, while liars always lie).
Solution. The "dwarfs" - those who are shorter than both of their neighbors, and the "giants" - those who are taller than both of their neighbors, lie. Dwarfs and giants alternate in the circle, so together they form an even number.

Answer: No.

## Criteria:

7 points - complete solution;

2 points - noted that around a liar, there are either two "giants" or two "dwarfs," and the arrangement of knights is ordered (maintains monotonicity);

1 point - noted that the shortest and the tallest are liars.