Hilbert's Second Problem

In mathematics, Hilbert's second problem was posed by David Hilbert in 1900 as one of his 23 problems. It asks for a proof that arithmetic is consistent – free of any internal contradictions.

In the 1930s, Kurt Gödel and Gerhard Gentzen proved results that cast new light on the problem. Some feel that these results resolved the problem, while others feel that the problem is still open.

Read more about Hilbert's Second Problem:  Hilbert's Problem and Its Interpretation, Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, Gentzen's Consistency Proof, Modern Viewpoints On The Status of The Problem

Famous quotes containing the word problem:

    How much atonement is enough? The bombing must be allowed as at least part-payment: those of our young people who are concerned about the moral problem posed by the Allied air offensive should at least consider the moral problem that would have been posed if the German civilian population had not suffered at all.
    Clive James (b. 1939)