Citation
(2006), "Alfred Tarski: Life and Logic", Kybernetes, Vol. 35 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2006.06735aae.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Alfred Tarski: Life and Logic
Cambridge University Press20040-521-80240-7p. 425 (Hardback)£23.00
Alfred Tarski was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1901, and made distinguished contributions to logic. This book is what has been described as a "super biography" of him. He apparently described himself as "the greatest living sane logician", a claim, we are told directed at Kurt Gödel.
Cyberneticians will be interested in the fact that he made international contacts, and that a visit to Vienna in 1930 brought him into contact with the Vienna Circle and with Kurt Gödel.
This biography looks at both the man and his mathematical achievements. It is written by two authors who are known in their respected fields. Solomon Feferman as a distinguished logician and Anita Burdman Feferman as a writer and wellknown biographer. The combination, we are informed, has produced a book that has been carefully and rigorously researched. One reviewer writes:
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... [that the book] is a masterpiece of detail and clarity. Biographical sections are interlaced with "Interludes" which cogently explain his considerable output and its significance.
It has been reviewed as a "brilliant achievement, a delight to read" and cheap at the price!