Truth, proof, and infinity : a theory of constructions and contructive reasoning /
Constructive mathematics is based on the thesis that the meaning of a mathematical formula is given, not by its truth-conditions, but in terms of what constructions count as a proof of it. However, the meaning of the terms `construction' and `proof' has never been adequately explained (alt...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Corporate Author: | |
| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Dordrecht :
Springer Science+Business Media,
[1998]
|
| Series: | Synthese library ;
v. 276. |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Connect to the full text of this electronic book |
| Summary: | Constructive mathematics is based on the thesis that the meaning of a mathematical formula is given, not by its truth-conditions, but in terms of what constructions count as a proof of it. However, the meaning of the terms `construction' and `proof' has never been adequately explained (although Kriesel, Goodman and Martin-Lf have attempted axiomatisations). This monograph develops precise (though not wholly formal) definitions of construction and proof, and describes the algorithmic substructure underlying intuitionistic logic. Interpretations of Heyting arithmetic and constructive analysis are given. The philosophical basis of constructivism is explored thoroughly in Part I. The author seeks to answer objections from platonists and to reconcile his position with the central insights of Hilbert's formalism and logic. Audience: Philosophers of mathematics and logicians, both academic and graduate students, particularly those interested in Brouwer and Hilbert; theoretical computer scientists interested in the foundations of functional programming languages and program correctness calculi. |
|---|---|
| Physical Description: | 1 online resource (ix, 469 pages) |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: | 9789401736169 (electronic bk.) 9401736162 (electronic bk.) |