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2-30 June 2011, PhilMath Intersem 2011: Simplicity / Complexity of Proof, Paris & Nancy (France)

Date: 2-30 June 2011
Location: Paris & Nancy (France)

Simplicity and economy of thinking have been perennial concerns of mathematicians. In this seminar we will focus on issues concerning simplicity or economy of thinking in proof.

We will be particularly concerned with the following questions:
I. What types of simplicity/complexity concerning proofs have mathematicians found most signficant and why?
II. In what specific ways (i.e. by means of what specific practices) have mathematicians pursued such economies?
Particular attention will be paid to the general practice of introducing ideal elements as a means of achieving thought-economies of various types. Here some more particular concerns will be:
III. To find important historical examples of economies of thinking that have been achieved through the introduction of ideal elements/methods.
IV. To come to a clear understanding of what the benefits of such economies are.

For more information, see http://www.univ-nancy2.fr/poincare/intersem2011/ or contact Mic Detlefsen at or Andrei Rodin at .

Please note that this newsitem has been archived, and may contain outdated information or links.