Formal proofs in geometry

  • Date: 10/06/2006
Lecturer(s):

Thomas C. Hales (University of Pittsburgh)

Location: 

University of Calgary

Topic: 

Traditional mathematical proofs are written in a way to make them
easily understood by mathematicians. Routine logical steps are omitted.
An enormous amount of context is assumed on the part of the reader.
Proofs, especially in topology and geometry, rely on intuitive
arguments in situations where a trained mathematician would be capable
of translating those intuitive arguments into a more rigorous argument.

In a formal proof, all the intermediate logical steps are supplied. No
appeal is made to intuition, even if the translation from intuition to
logic is routine. Thus, a formal proof is less intuitive, and yet less
susceptible to logical errors. It is generally considered a major
undertaking to transcribe a traditional proof into a formal proof.

In recent years, a number of fundamental theorems in mathematics have
been formally verified, including the Prime Number Theorem, the Four
Color Theorem, and the Jordan Curve Theorem.

Other Information: 

PIMS Distinguished Chair Lectures 2006

Sponsor: 

pims