Single Idea 13824

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / H. Proof Systems / 1. Proof Systems]

Full Idea

Frege's formal definition of derivability is perhaps the first investigation in general proof theory.

Gist of Idea

Proof theory began with Frege's definition of derivability

Source

report of Gottlob Frege (Begriffsschrift [1879]) by Dag Prawitz - Gentzen's Analysis of First-Order Proofs 2 n2

Book Reference

'A Philosophical Companion to First-Order Logic', ed/tr. Hughes,R.I.G. [Hackett 1993], p.207


A Reaction

In 'On General Proof Theory §1' Prawitz says "proof theory originated with Hilbert" in 1900. Presumably Frege offered a theory, and then Hilbert saw it as a general project.