Listed in: Mathematics and Statistics, as MATH-385
Formerly listed as: MATH-34
Daniel J. Velleman (Section 01)
Mathematicians confirm their answers to mathematical questions by writing proofs. But what, exactly, is a proof? This course begins with a precise definition specifying what counts as a mathematical proof. This definition makes it possible to carry out a mathematical study of what can be accomplished by means of deductive reasoning and, perhaps more interestingly, what cannot be accomplished. Topics will include the propositional and predicate calculi, completeness, compactness, and decidability. At the end of the course we will study Gödel’s famous Incompleteness Theorem, which shows that there are statements about the positive integers that are true but impossible to prove. Four class hours per week. Offered in alternate years.
Requisite: MATH 220, 271, 272, or 355, or consent of the instructor. Spring semester. Professor Velleman.
Section 01
M 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM SMUD 206
W 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM SMUD 206
F 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM SMUD 206
Section 01
Th 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM SMUD 204