Passages of Proof
History and Overview
2007-05-23 v2
Abstract
In this paper we propose a new perspective on the evolution and history of the idea of mathematical proof. Proofs will be studied at three levels: syntactical, semantical and pragmatical. Computer-assisted proofs will be give a special attention. Finally, in a highly speculative part, we will anticipate the evolution of proofs under the assumption that the quantum computer will materialize. We will argue that there is little `intrinsic' difference between traditional and `unconventional' types of proofs.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.math/0305213,
title = {Passages of Proof},
author = {Cristian S. Calude and Elena Calude and Solomon Marcus},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0305213},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
22 pages, revised and updated version