Metamathematics, Machines and Gödel's Proof (Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science) [Paperback]

N. Shankar (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science | Publication Date: March 28, 1997

The automatic verification of large parts of mathematics has been an aim of many mathematicians from Leibniz to Hilbert. While Gödel's first incompleteness theorem showed that no computer program could automatically prove certain true theorems in mathematics, the advent of electronic computers and sophisticated software means in practice there are many quite effective systems for automated reasoning that can be used for checking mathematical proofs. This book describes the use of a computer program to check the proofs of several celebrated theorems in metamathematics including those of Gödel and Church-Rosser. The computer verification using the Boyer-Moore theorem prover yields precise and rigorous proofs of these difficult theorems. It also demonstrates the range and power of automated proof checking technology. The mechanization of metamathematics itself has important implications for automated reasoning, because metatheorems can be applied as labor-saving devices to simplify proof construction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

."..the main purpose of this book is to describe how the Boyer-Moore theorem prover was used to mechanically verify two landmark theorems of mathematical logic, Godel's first incompleteness theorem and the Church-Rosser theorem of the lambda calculus..for specialized collections in artificial intelligence." D.V. Feldman, Choice --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description

Now in paperback, this book describes the use of a computer program to check the proofs of several celebrated theorems in metamathematics including Gödel's incompleteness theorem and the Church-Rosser theorem. The computer verification using the Boyer-Moore theorem prover yields precise and rigorous proofs of these difficult theorems. It also demonstrates the range and power of automated proof checking technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (March 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521585333
• ISBN-13: 978-0521585330
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,058,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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