10/14/02
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Mathematical Logic
Logicians are not as sure about their logic as some of
us might think. Goedel tells us
that there is no logical way to prove that any given significant theory is consistent. The inevitable conclusion
is that God wants us to be permanently on tenterhooks, when it comes to serious matters.
This means that tomorrow, if we find that 2+2=5 or the
sun rises from the west, we
will have nobody to complain to. Logicians
will gleefully tell you: we told you so.