Skip to main content

The paradox at the heart of mathematics: Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem - Marcus du Sautoy

3,682,899 Views

3,313 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Consider the following sentence: “This statement is false.” Is that true? If so, that would make the statement false. But if it’s false, then the statement is true. This sentence creates an unsolvable paradox; if it’s not true and it’s not false– what is it? This question led a logician to a discovery that would change mathematics forever. Marcus du Sautoy digs into Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem.

In what ways has Gödel’s incompleteness theorem changed the way mathematicians apply proofs in mathematical statements?

Login to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Marcus du Sautoy
  • Director BASA
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Piruleta Ortiz
  • Lead Animator Piruleta Ortiz
  • Animator Daniela Espinosa
  • Compositor Eduardo Moya
  • Art Director Diego Huacuja
  • Music Igor Figueroa , Mono
  • Sound Designer Igor Figueroa, Mono
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Production Coordinator Abdallah Ewis
  • Script Editor Eden Girma
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

More from Math In Real Life