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2-30 June 2011, PhilMath Intersem 2011: Simplicity / Complexity of Proof, 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 mdetlef1 at nd.edu or Andrei Rodin at rodin at ens.fr.
Please note that this newsitem has been archived, and may contain outdated information or links.