“Computers and the Future of Mathematical Proofs”
Thomas Hales, Mellon Professor
U. of Pittsburgh, Dept. of Mathematics
Friday, February 24, 3:30 pm
2500 W. W. Posvar Hall
Presented by Pitt’s Ctr. for Philosophy of Science ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES
Abstract: It is relatively common for the mathematical proof of a single theorem to run hundreds or even thousands of pages. It has also become common for mathematical proofs to rely on computer-assisted calculations. An editor of one of the most prestigious mathematical journals has recently declared that it has become impossible to find peers who are willing to review computer code. As a result, the journal has started to publish theorems without any meaningful review of the underlying computer code. What do these developments mean for computers and the future of mathematical proofs?
