A Taste of Constructivism by Dong Joo Lee ’20, Monday, November 25, Mathematics Colloquium

A Taste of Constructivism by Dong Joo Lee ’20, Monday, November 25, Mathematics Colloquium, 1 – 1:45 pm, Stetson Court Classroom 110

Abstract:  In my presentation I will be introducing constructivism as an alternative mathematical foundation to the classical model. We will be discussing the philosophical impetus behind the constructivist/intuitionist project, as well as how this different conception of mathematical logic and proof manifests specifically in the classic example of the Intermediate Value Theorem.  Focusing on the primary difference between the classical and constructivist foundations – the assumption of the Law of Excluded Middle – I will attempt to draw a clear and concise picture of why constructivists choose to deviate from such a “standard” law of logic, and how this choice limits their ability to make mathematical proofs and assertions.