Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth

Book Review: Logicomix: An Epic Search for the Truth

Logicomix: An Epic Search for the Truth is a graphic novel that illustrates a fictionalized biography of the mathematician Bertrand Russell (18 May 1872 - 2 February 1970) (Wikipedia). The story illuminates the tormented lifelong journey of Russell as he questioned the very nature of logic. In his search for answers we get a look into his life and a glimpse into the lives and intellectual and political struggles of some of his contemporaries (other great mathematicians and logicians of the time). We also are introduced to significant mathematical concepts of the time period and we see evidence of the conflict between theoretical and applied mathematics. Weighty emotional themes and heady mathematical concepts are gracefully handled through a multilayered, post-modern narrative structure that includes a combination of beautiful comic book style panels, hypnotic narration from Russell, cinematic flashbacks and enthusiastic interjections from the Logicomix creators. Interestingly, the authors portray Russell and logicians as heroes, following the archetype featured in comic books. Russell's brooding, tormented by inner demons and looks toward a greater goal (Doxiadis and Papadimitriou 13).

Before Bertrand Russell's journey begins we meet the Logicomix crew that consists of Apostolos Doxiadis (writer), Christos H. Papadimitriou (writer), Alecos Papadatos (illustrator) and Annie Di Donna (illustrator). The creators introduce us to the main story of Bertrand Russell; it's 1939, three days after Hitler has invaded Poland (Holt) and Russell's givning a talk at a university about Logic in Human Affairs. As he makes his way into the lecture hall some protesters harass the logician. He invites the hostile war protestors inside and is asked to explain how logic could justify participating in a world war (Holt). After he declares that war is irrational, Russell maintains that important decisions (regarding matters of war) should be made by applying a rational method to the process; we must go back and ask, "What is logic?" (Doxiadis and Papadimitriou 32-33). This question provides the impetus for Russell to tell us the story of his life and his quest for truth.

Russell encounters many great logicians and mathematicians, but it was a student of his, Ludwig Wittgenstein who possibly had the most profound effect on the logician. Wittgenstein's passion for mathematics rivaled Russell's. He was equally tormented and his dedication was so strong that during WWI he finished one of his greatest works "Tractucus Logicophilosophicus" while he was held captive in an Italian prisoner's camp. Initially Wittgenstein was an ardent fan of Russell's work. This made him an obvious choice for Russell when he needed someone to fine-tune "Principia". Wittgenstein began to question almost every single aspect of the book and this intense obsession with calling everything into question made Russell anxious. (Doxiadis and Papadimitriou 227-229) In his address at the university Russell also explains that The Vienna circle had created a manifesto "advocating the scientific conception of the world..." "...A project to apply the tools of logic, Mathematics, and physical Sciences to the study of Human Matters." This manifesto indicates that this group of visionaries decided to use logic for applied methodologies. Russell's work was highly theoretical and after he describes this new manifesto, he refers to his own work in logic as a failure (Doxiadis and Papadimitriou 272). At this point in Logicomix the team disrupts the main story and interjects