Exact Thinking in Demented Times

The Vienna Circle and the Epic Quest for the Foundations of Science

By: Karl Sigmund

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

A dazzling group biography of the early 20th-century thinkers who transformed the way the world thought about math and science.

Inspired by Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and Bertrand Russell and David Hilbert's pursuit of the fundamental rules of mathematics, some of the most brilliant minds of the generation came together in post-World War I Vienna to present the latest theories in mathematics, science, and philosophy and to build a strong foundation for scientific investigation. Composed of such luminaries as Kurt Gödel and Rudolf Carnap, and stimulated by the works of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper, the Vienna Circle left an indelible mark on science.

Exact Thinking in Demented Times tells the often outrageous, sometimes tragic, and never boring stories of the men who transformed scientific thought. A revealing work of history, this landmark book pays tribute to those who dared to reinvent knowledge from the ground up.

©2017 Karl Sigmund (P)2018 Tantor

masterpiece Understand the Vienna Circle

This is my third or fourth book on the Vienna Circle and by far the best summary of the complex of interlocking “circles” before, after and during and captures the period well.
It is sometimes a bit too brief in philosophical summaries but to do that justice would require multiple volumes.
Note to German readers. This is not a translation of his first book on the Circle but an English first complement and elaboration of his earlier work.

Phenomenal Scholarship/Storytelling

This is among the best books I’ve listened to in intellectual history. Unlike many book with philosophical, the book was easy to listen to. The ideas were conveyed elegantly and with exceeding clarity. Among my favorite works in this set of genres.

A vivid and engaging read

if you are someone who is interested in philosophy or just how a group of intellectuals think together, this is a poetic book for you.

Fascinating work

This is a completely enthralling and fascinating work. Such richness in cultural, historical, scientific and philosophical detail. You will discover here stories and tales, arguments and counter-arguments that you cannot encounter elsewhere. Never another time like this period of ferment. Well presented by Patterson also.

Audible needs to add a PDF bibliography or source reference file to the work.

Fascinating intellectual history

Many of the luminaries in mathematics, science and the philosophy of science — circa 1880-1950 — feature here. Fascinating ideas, fascinating characters. Highest recommendation.