Infinity and the Mind - (Princeton Science Library) by Rudolf V Rucker (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A dynamic exploration of infinity

In Infinity and the Mind, Rudy Rucker leads an excursion to that stretch of the universe he calls the "Mindscape," where he explores infinity in all its forms: potential and actual, mathematical and physical, theological and mundane. Using cartoons, puzzles, and quotations to enliven his text, Rucker acquaints us with staggeringly advanced levels of infinity, delves into the depths beneath daily awareness, and explains Kurt Gödel's belief in the possibility of robot consciousness. In the realm of infinity, mathematics, science, and logic merge with the fantastic. By closely examining the paradoxes that arise, we gain profound insights into the human mind, its powers, and its limitations. This Princeton Science Library edition includes a new preface by the author.

Review Quotes

"Infinity and the Mind is funny, provocative, entertaining, and profound."--Joseph Shipman, Journal of Symbolic Logic

"A terrific study with real mathematical depth."--New Yorker

"Attempts to put Gödel's theorems into sharper focus, or at least to explain them to the nonspecialist, abound. My personal favorite is Rudy Rucker's Infinity and the Mind, which I recommend without reservation."--Craig Smorynski, American Mathematical Monthly

"Informal, amusing, witty, profound. . . . In an extraordinary burst of creative energy, Rudy Rucker has managed to bring together every aspect of mathematical infinity."--Martin Gardner

"Rucker leads his readers through these mental gymnastics in an easy, informal way."--San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author

Rudy Rucker is a mathematician, computer scientist, author, and one of the founders of the cyberpunk literary movement. His many books on mathematics and philosophy include Mind Tools and The Fourth Dimension, and his numerous works of science fiction include The Ware Tetralogy, Turing & Burroughs, and his novel of infinity, White Light.