thakkar: gödel

monsoon 2025: cs-4077

Kurt Friedrich Gödel (1906 - 1978)

Logistics:

Credits: 4
Meetings: Fridays, 3:00pm
Room: AC-04-MR-736

Links:

Textbook

Course Description: This seminar introduces Gödel's First Incompleteness Theorem, one of the most profound results in mathematical logic and the philosophy of mathematics. We will use Gödel Without (Too Many) Tears (Second Edition, 2022) by Peter Smith as our primary text, working carefully through its chapters to build a clear understanding of the proof and its significance.

Each week, one student will be responsible for presenting the assigned chapter and leading discussion. The course will balance close reading of technical details with exploration of broader philosophical implications.

Policies: Please note the following policies:

Support: Students are encouraged to reach out to University offices such as the Office of Learning Support, Ashoka Center for Well-Being, and Center for Writing and Communication for additional support.