Gödel's Proof
Gödel's Proof
Ernest Nagel
David Deutsch
David Deutsch recommended this book in his book "The Fabric of Reality."
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Gödel's Proof

Gödel's Proof

Ernest Nagel
By
Ernest Nagel
4.2
5331
ratings on Goodreads

In "Gödel's Proof," Ernest Nagel and James Newman embark on a lucid journey through one of the twentieth century's most profound mathematical achievements, unraveling the complex beauty of Kurt Gödel's groundbreaking theorem. With an elegance that belies the depth of the subject matter, the authors guide readers through the intricate landscape of logic and mathematics that led Gödel to challenge the very foundation of mathematical thought. His 1931 paper on formally undecidable propositions not only questioned the completeness of mathematical systems but also introduced a new era of philosophical inquiry into the nature of mathematical truth. This book stands as a beacon for those seeking to grasp the monumental implications of Gödel's work, illuminating its significance beyond the realms of mathematics and logic into the broader intellectual sphere. Crafted for both the scholar and the curious layperson, Nagel and Newman’s narrative demystifies Gödel’s complex proof, making its profound insights accessible to a wide audience. The addition of Douglas R. Hofstadter's insightful introduction in this special edition further enriches the reader's understanding, connecting Gödel's theories to contemporary thought in computer science, philosophy, and beyond. "Gödel's Proof" transcends a mere explanation of a mathematical theorem; it is an invitation to explore the limits of human understanding and the mysteries that lie at the heart of inquiry. Through its pages, readers not only gain knowledge of a pivotal moment in scientific history but are also inspired to ponder the unfathomable depths of the universe and our place within it.

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Released
1958
1 Jan
Length
125
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

David Deutsch recommended this book in his book "The Fabric of Reality."
Like Molière’s M. Jourdain, who spoke prose all his life without knowing it, mathematicians have been reasoning for at least two millennia without being aware of all the principles underlying what they were doing. The real nature of the tools of their craft has become evident only within recent times A renaissance of logical studies in modern times begins with the publication in 1847 of George Boole’s 'The Mathematical Analysis of Logic'.
— Ernest Nagel, Gödel's Proof

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