Reasoning about the Potterverse

[ER <ression@hotmail.com>]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "David <dfrankiswork at n...>" 
<dfrankiswork at n...> wrote:
> 
> Note 1.  Kurt Gödel proved in the thirties that in any logical 
> system based on the predicate calculus (ie logic as we know it) 
that 
> contains the integers (ie the most basic numerical part of maths) 
it 
> is possible to frame questions the answers to which cannot be 
> decided from within the system.   The theorem is generally supposed 
> to mean that mathemetics is infinite, since it will always be 
> possible to pose questions that can only be answered by extending 
> the framework of axioms used.  I doubt its relevance to Hermione's 
> ability to decide who she likes.


Does this mean that one can answer any question in mathematics simply 
by dreaming up new axioms? I'm assuming the axioms (=posh word for 
assumption?) are "non-trivial", i.e. they don't simply echo that 
which you wish to prove.

I too doubt the relevance of Godel's theory to Hermione's choice of 
friends, though I suppose we could fall into a discussion about free-
will here :) Shippers may look away now ...