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Single Idea 17942

[from 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics' by Mark Colyvan, in 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / m. Explanation by proof ]

Full Idea

The proof of the four-colour theorem raises questions about whether a 'proof' that no one understands is a proof.

Gist of Idea

Can a proof that no one understands (of the four-colour theorem) really be a proof?

Source

Mark Colyvan (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics [2012], 9.1.6)

Book Reference

Colyvan,Mark: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics' [CUP 2012], p.153


A Reaction

The point is that the theorem (that you can colour countries on a map with just four colours) was proved with the help of a computer.