Proof theory is a branch of mathematical logic that represents proofs as formal mathematical objects, facilitating their analysis by mathematical techniques. Proofs are typically presented as inductively-defined data structures such as plain lists, boxed lists, or trees, which are constructed according to the axioms and rules of inference of the logical system. As such, proof theory is syntactic in nature, in contrast to model theory, which is semantic in nature. Together with model theory, axiomatic set theory, and recursion theory, proof theory is one of the so-called four pillars of the foundations of mathematics.
Proof theory is important in philosophical logic, where the primary interest is in the idea of a proof-theoretic semantics, an idea which depends upon technical ideas in structural proof theory to be feasible.
Read more about Proof Theory: History, Formal and Informal Proof, Kinds of Proof Calculi, Consistency Proofs, Structural Proof Theory, Proof-theoretic Semantics, Tableau Systems, Ordinal Analysis, Logics From Proof Analysis
Famous quotes containing the words proof and/or theory:
“If any doubt has arisen as to me, my country [Virginia] will have my political creed in the form of a Declaration &c. which I was lately directed to draw. This will give decisive proof that my own sentiment concurred with the vote they instructed us to give.”
—Thomas Jefferson (17431826)
“No theory is good unless it permits, not rest, but the greatest work. No theory is good except on condition that one use it to go on beyond.”
—André Gide (18691951)