Recursion Theory for Metamathematics

by Raymond M. Smullyan

Overview

This work is a sequel to the author's Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems, though it can be read independently by anyone familiar with Gödel's incompleteness theorem for Peano arithmetic. The book deals mainly with those aspects of recursion theory that have applications to the metamathematics of incompleteness, undecidability, and related topics. It is both an introduction to the theory and a presentation of new results in the field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195082326
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/28/1993
Series:	Oxford Logic Guides , #22
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	1350L (what's this?)

About the Author

Indiana University

Table of Contents

1. Recursive Enumerability and Recursivity2. Undecidability and Recursive Inseparability3. Indexing4. Generative Sets and Creative Systems5. Double Generativity and Complete Effective Inseparability6. Universal and Doubly Universal Systems7. Shepherdson Revisited8. Recursion Theorems9. Symmetric and Double Recursion Theorems10. Productivity and Double Productivity11. Three Special Topics12. Uniform Godelization

Editorial Reviews

"A self-contained exposition, it presumes neither a reading of the previous volume . . . nor a prior knowledge of recursion theory. The reader with some familiarity with both recursion theory and logic should find this an excellent source for the interconnections between them." —Choice

"Smullyan is not only an outstanding authority on this subject, but is also a skilled pedagogue, with a special talent for formulating simple riddles, which illuminate this very difficult and profound subject. Smullyan has made an important contribution toward the wider understanding of the work of Godel and his followers. . . . Smullyan plays a significant role in the further development of mathematical logic and the elucidation of its relation to metamathematics. He continues to be one of the foremost popularizers of the subject." —American Scientist

". . . an interesting presentation of recursion theory from the point of view of its applications in metamathematics, indicating many interrelations between various notions and properties. It will certainly be studied carefully and referred to by students and specialists alike." —Roman Murawski, Mathematical Reviews

From the Publisher