24.118  Paradox & Infinity

Course Description:

In this class we will study a cluster of puzzles, paradoxes and intellectual wonders - from Zeno's Paradox to Godel's Theorem - and discuss their philosophical implications. (See schedule for a list of topics.)

Readings:

The following are required texts:

• Sainsbury, R.M. Paradoxes, second edition, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

• Rucker, R. Infinity and the Mind, Princeton University Press, 2004 or 2005. (If you have the 1995 printing, that's okay too; all you'll be missing is a new preface by the author.)

Both of them should be in stock at the COOP and on reserve at the main library.

(See schedule for recommended readings.)

Course Requirements:
Grades will be calculated as follows:

• 45% Problem Sets

• 50% Take-home final

• 5% Class participation

Problem sets. There are 10 problem-sets in all, but I shall only take into account your 9 best scores. Problem-sets are due most Wednesdays (see schedule for details), and must be handed in by 9:40 AM. Assignments may be handed in before class or submitted via email to ephraim@mit.edu. Hand-written assignments are not acceptable. Email submissions must be in either plain-text or pdf format. (If you are unable to produce such formats, print out your assignment and hand in a hard-copy before class. ) With the exception of extraordinary circumstances - typically involving a medical problem - late assignments will not be accepted. It is okay to discuss problem-sets with other students taking the class, and to consult published materials. But each student must complete the assignment on his or her own.

Take-home final. Assignment will be handed out on December 5 and due on Wednesday December 12 by 9:40 AM. Although individual consultation of published materials is okay, discussing the final before the due-date with anyone - whether or not they are taking the class - is strictly prohibited. All work on the final must be the student's own. Any suspicion of plagiarism or academic dishonesty will be aggressively pursued.

Important notes:

Class announcements may be sent to students' MIT email accounts. It is your responsibility to check your MIT account for any email about the class.

If accommodations are needed for a disability, please notify me as soon as possible.

If any course requirement conflicts with a religious requirement or university-related obligation, please notify me as soon as possible.