CORCORAN-HICKS ON GOLDSTEIN’S GÖDEL

CORCORAN-HICKS ON GOLDSTEIN’S GÖDELA review ofGoldstein, R. 2005. Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Gödel. New York, W.W. Norton and Company.Mathematical Reviews. MR2303406 (2008i:03003) This ambitious book has at least three goals. Its most comprehensive goal is to provide historical and philosophical background sufficient for understanding the cultural significance of the Gödel Incompleteness Theorems. In particular, it tries to clarify the puzzling fact that a mathematical theorem can give rise to diametrically opposite philosophical interpretations. Secondly, it strives to give insight into Gödel as a person and to describe the world that Gödel had to contend with. Gödel is portrayed as a thoroughly decent and upright human being whose life was made difficult by mental and physical ill-health and by political turmoil. Finally, it tries to provide an overview of the Incompleteness Theorems and their proofs.The author is a prestigious MacArthur “genius” Fellow and the book has been praised by other writers and by logicians including Martin Davis and Gregory Chaitin. Surprisingly, it is a tediously disappointing read. The vocabulary alone is enough to deter readers: arrant, fey, coruscated, frontisquotes, monologicism, asperity, epigone, limpid, metaconclusion, metaquestion, metaconviction, metalight, imbibition, bruiting, veridical, stintless, eschatological, fractious, ensconced, valetudinarian, and ichor. Stunningly inept images pervade the book. Here is one example. “Think of it this way, if you care to: Axioms are like the classic first-borns in families: adored simply for being. Theorems are the children that come after, those who have to prove themselves worthy to gain acceptance.”And BTW, Yes, this is the Rebecca Goldstein of MIND-BODY PROBLEM fame—a book that no fun-loving philosopher should miss.