Entries For: February 2008
2008-02-14
A gentle introduction to Gödel's theorem
David Morgan-Mar, author of Irregular Webcomic, performs a feat of pedagogy with his presentation of Gödel's theorem
... as an annotation in issue #1845 of Irregular WebComic!.
As a fan of Hofstadter I recognize that this explanation work is truly a mastery of pedagogy. It introduces Gödel's theorem and its impact smoothly and clearly, making it understandable to anyone with a basic understanding of science.
Instead of watching Discovery Channel, read the Irregular WebComic!
2008-02-11
Death and identity
Raping history as a way to deal with social identity issues
In 1793, as it just overtook power in France, the new government decided to open the tombs of the French kings in Saint-Denis and throw a thousand years of history into a pit as a celebration of their victory.
In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the two gigantic Buddhas of Bamyan, erasing 1400 years of historical significance with a few kilograms of plastic.
Now I wonder; why putting so much effort in erasing their own past, if their position in their present time was accepted, justifiable and welcome?
