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Thread: Mathematical Proof

  1. Feb 25th, 2002, 06:49 AM #1
    simonm
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    Smile Mathematical Proof

    I tried posting this in the Maths forum but received few responses. I'll try here instead and see what happens...
    I know there are various different methods of proof that mathematicians use but I am curious to know if some are considered more valid than others.

    For example, you hear much about the inability of induction to justify conclusions but proof by induction is still used, right?

    Is proof by contradiction more valid than proof by induction? If so, why?

    What other types of proof are there?
    Everything I say is either loose interpretation of dubious facts or idle speculation rooted in irrational sentiment.
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  2. Feb 25th, 2002, 08:28 AM #2
    Sastraxi
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    Quick get the authorities, I feel something thought-provoking written here!
    All contents of the above post that aren't somebody elses are mine, not the property of some media corporation.
    (Just a heads-up)
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  3. Feb 25th, 2002, 08:44 AM #3
    Guru
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    Originally posted by Sastraxi
    Quick get the authorities, I feel something thought-provoking written here!

    He's just poking a stick at kedaman
    Another light-hearted post from Guru
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  4. Feb 25th, 2002, 10:13 AM #4
    simonm
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    He's just poking a stick at kedaman
    No, I'm not really...

    It really is an philisophical issue that I am interested in and I would appreciate some ideas on the subject (and not just from Kedaman ).
    Everything I say is either loose interpretation of dubious facts or idle speculation rooted in irrational sentiment.
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  6. Feb 25th, 2002, 10:14 AM #5
    Wally Pipp
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    How about "I haven't got a single clue" ?
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  7. Feb 25th, 2002, 10:19 AM #6
    simonm
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    How about "I haven't got a single clue" ?
    Well, that's a response I suppose, and since I'm not exactly being flooded with replies, I'll take any I can get.

    I just think that this is an interesting, unresolved philisophical dilema that hasn't yet been flogged to death (like many other philisophical issues).


    OK, forget about it from a "mathematical proof" perspective. What about generally. Is Induction a valid form of reasoning? Does it form the basis of scientific theories? Even if it's not perfect, does it have any merrits? Are there any alternatives?
    Everything I say is either loose interpretation of dubious facts or idle speculation rooted in irrational sentiment.
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  8. Feb 25th, 2002, 10:25 AM #7
    Behemoth
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    separate proof from assumption or speculation. Proof proves something beyond question. If you still question it after having "proved" it, it can't have been prooved...

    If that makes sense?
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  9. Feb 25th, 2002, 10:29 AM #8
    simonm
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    separate proof from assumption or speculation. Proof proves something beyond question. If you still question it after having "proved" it, it can't have been prooved...
    I understand you but what are you getting at?

    Are you saying induction is fine as long as you don't use it for proof?
    Everything I say is either loose interpretation of dubious facts or idle speculation rooted in irrational sentiment.
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