UAH > Math > Math Club > Luncheon Talk 12/7/2001

Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem and the Limits of Human Knowledge


Ms. Natalie Baeza

Department of Mathematical Sciences
University of Alabama in Huntsville

December 7, 2001

For Mathematicians, the theorem means that any formal system trying to capture all mathematical truths in a finite set of axioms and rules is doomed to failure.For philosophers, it means that truth is elusive and ultimately unattainable. For all of us, Gödel’s incompleteness theorem results in the realization of the limitations of the human mind, and of the nobleness of our pursuit of knowledge.

Down how many roads among the stars must man propel himself in search of the final secret? The journey is difficult, immense, at times impossible, yet that will not deter some of us from attempting it,