Post by Spirit of Math Schools Inc.

#FamousMathematician: Kurt Gödel is an Austrian-born mathematician, logician, and philosopher who obtained what may be the most important mathematical result of the 20th century: his famous incompleteness theorem, which states that within any axiomatic mathematical system there are propositions that cannot be proved or disproved on the basis of the axioms within that system; thus, such a system cannot be simultaneously complete and consistent. This proof established Gödel as one of the greatest logicians since Aristotle, and its repercussions continue to be felt and debated today. After the publication of the incompleteness theorem, Gödel became an internationally known intellectual figure. He travelled to the United States several times where he met Albert Einstein. This was the beginning of a close friendship that would last until Einstein’s death in 1955. What else do you know about Gödel? Let us know in the comments!