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Single Idea 10885

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 2. Proof in Mathematics ]

Full Idea

Mathematicians are uncomfortable with computerised proofs because a 'good' proof should do more than convince us that a certain statement is true. It should also explain why the statement in question holds.

Gist of Idea

Computer proofs don't provide explanations

Source

Leon Horsten (Philosophy of Mathematics [2007], §5.3)

Book Ref

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.26


The 7 ideas with the same theme [establishing new certainties from a starting point]:

To decide some questions, we must study the essence of mathematical proof itself [Hilbert]
It seems absurd to prove 2+2=4, where the conclusion is more certain than premises [Russell]
For intuitionists, proof is inherently informal [Shapiro]
There is no limit to how many ways something can be proved in mathematics [Brown,JR]
Computers played an essential role in proving the four-colour theorem of maps [Brown,JR]
Hilbert proofs have simple rules and complex axioms, and natural deduction is the opposite [Beall/Restall]
Computer proofs don't provide explanations [Horsten]