Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Amg asked this question about Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid:
Can someone please explain the difference between an axiom and a theorem according to Hofstadter? I need to hear it explained in another way.
uosɯɐS An axiom is considered to be a "true statement" from the start. Theorems are added to the pile of "true statements" as one moves about the system, usi…moreAn axiom is considered to be a "true statement" from the start. Theorems are added to the pile of "true statements" as one moves about the system, using the system's rules on the existing pile of "true statements," in order to generate more "true statements."

In typical logic, certain rules and axioms are assumed to hold. But for Hofstadter, Gödel, et al, "the system" need not be standard logic. The idea is to learn about the nature of systems themselves by playing with different systems.(less)
flag
More questions about Gödel, Escher, Bach…
Image for Gödel, Escher, Bach
Gödel, Escher, Bach
by Douglas R. Hofstadter
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more