Godel's Incompleteness Theorems (Oxford Logic Guides) - Hardcover

Smullyan, Raymond M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195046722 ISBN 13: 9780195046724

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

Kurt Godel, the greatest logician of our time, startled the world of mathematics in 1931 with his Theorem of Undecidability, which showed that some statements in mathematics are inherently "undecidable." His work on the completeness of logic, the incompleteness of number theory, and the consistency of the axiom of choice and the continuum theory brought him further worldwide fame. In this introductory volume, Raymond Smullyan, himself a well-known logician, guides the reader through the fascinating world of Godel's incompleteness theorems. The level of presentation is suitable for anyone with a basic acquaintance with mathematical logic. As a clear, concise introduction to a difficult but essential subject, the book will appeal to mathematicians, philosophers, and computer scientists.

About this title

About the Author:

Raymond M. Smullyan is at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Review:

"A delightful introduction to the Godel incompleteness theorems and related results. . . . reader is treated to a series of careful formulations and proofs of the central results, always with a high degree of generality and insight. The author has superbly combined his unique presentation of
the 'big picture' with an appreciation of detail and rigor. Even readers who are already familiar with the incompleteness results will enjoy and benefit from this book." --Mathematical Reviews

"Elegant . . . the strategy . . . is highly instructive, as it casts the purpose behind each step of the proof in high relief." --Choice

"Combines scholarly contributions with the flavor of his popular works. Smullyan is not only an outstanding authority on this subject, but also a skilled pedagogue, with a special talent for formulating simple riddles, which illuminate this very difficult and profound subject. . . . an
important contribution toward the wider understanding of the work of Godel and his followers. . . . Smullyan plays a significant role in the further development of mathematical logic and the elucidation of its relation to metamathematics. He continues to be one of the foremost popularizers of the
subject." --American Scientist

"Smullyan lives up to his aims. The book provides a highly accessible, user-friendly introduction to incompleteness. . . . the treatment is rigorous and contains material that even a professional logician can find informative and interesting. . . . Smullyan never confuses rigor with dullness
or obscurity. His writing is clear and lively . . . . I am eagerly awaiting the sequel's appearance." --Leon Harkleroad, Modern Logic

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0195046722
• ISBN 13: 9780195046724
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160