On the depth of G\"odel's incompleteness theorem
Abstract
In this paper, we use G\"odel's incompleteness theorem as a case study for investigating mathematical depth. We take for granted the widespread judgment by mathematical logicians that G\"odel's incompleteness theorem is deep, and focus on the philosophical question of what its depth consists in. We focus on the methodological study of the depth of G\"odel's incompleteness theorem, and propose three criteria to account for its depth: influence, fruitfulness, and unity. Finally, we give some explanations for our account of the depth of G\"odel's incompleteness theorem.
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