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28 February 2002, Constructivism, Anne Troelstra

Speaker: Anne Troelstra
Date: Thursday 28 February 2002
Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Plantage Muidergracht 12, Room M328

Constructivism is a collective name for several schools in the Foundations of Mathematics, schools which have several features in common, but on the other hand show considerable divergences: finitism, intuitionism, predicativism, Markov-constructivism, Bishop-constructivism. Of these Finitism and Intuitionism are the most radical variants. Intuitionism was "invented" by the Dutch mathematician L.E.J. Brouwer; one of its most notable characteristics is the use of the notion of choice sequence, the idea of a forever unfinished sequence under construction, more or less freely generated by the acts of the (idealized) mathematician. In the talk each of the various schools mentioned above will characterized briefly, and it will be indicated how they differ in their consequences for mathematical practice. Furthermore the history of intuitionism and the notion of choice sequence will be discussed.

This series is designed in the first place for students of mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and philosophy, and the students of the Master of Logic program of the ILLC. In particular, this means that talks will not presuppose any detailed knowledge of advanced logical machinery. We expect, however, that it will be interesting for Ph.D. students and staff members, too.

Cookies and tea will be served. You are most cordially invited!

For more information, contact Marc Theunissen (), or Boudewijn de Bruin ().

Please note that this newsitem has been archived, and may contain outdated information or links.