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Annual Logic Lecture

In addition to its other speakers and sessions, the Logic Group funds an annual event in which a visiting researcher gives a talk (open to the public) and, over the course of a few days, engages in various working sessions with the group.

2011/2012 Annual Speaker: Jeremy Avigad, Carnegie Mellon University.

Understanding, formal verification, and the philosophy of mathematics

2 Mar, 2pm-4pm

Location: Class of 1947 room (in the library)

Abstract:

The philosophy of mathematics has long been focused on determining the methods that are appropriate for justifying claims of mathematical knowledge, and the metaphysical considerations that render them so. But, as of late, many philosopher's have called attention to the fact that a much broader range of normative judgements arise in ordinary mathematical practice; for example, questions can be interesting, theorems important, proofs explanatory, concepts powerful, and so on. The associated values are often loosely classified as aspects of "mathematical understanding".

Meanwhile, In a branch of computer science known as "formal verification," the practice of interactive theorem proving has given rise to software tools and systems designed to support the development of complex formal axiomatic proofs. Such efforts require one to develop models of mathematical language and inference that are more robust than the the simple foundational models of the last century.

In this talk, I will explore some of the insights that emerge from this work, and some of the ways that these insights can inform, and be informed by, philosophical theories of mathematical understanding.

Associated papers:


* Previous speakers

2010/2011: Angelika Kratzer, University of Massachusetts.

Title: Epistemic modals: embedded, modified, and plain.

2009/2010: Michael Glanzberg, University of California at Davis.

Title: Semantics, truth, and truth in a model.

2008/2009: Greg Restall, University of Melbourne.

Title: Normative inferentialist modal logic: from pragmatics to two-dimensional semantics.

      
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