posted on 2025-05-08, 14:35authored byJonathan Michael Borwein
The mathematical community (appropriately defined) faces a great challenge to re-evaluate the role of proof in light of the power of current computer systems, the sophistication of modern mathematical computing packages, and the growing capacity to data-mine on the internet. Added to those are the enormous complexity of many modern mathematical results such as the Poincaré conjecture, Fermat’s last theorem, and the classification of finite simple groups. With great challenges come great opportunities. Here, I survey the current challenges and opportunities for the learning and doing of mathematics. As the prospects for inductive mathematics blossom, the need to ensure that the role of proof is properly founded remains undiminished. Much of this material was presented as a plenary talk in May 2009 at the National Taiwan Normal University Workshop for ICMI Study 19 “On Proof and Proving in Mathematics Education.”
History
Source title
Proof and Proving in Mathematics Education: the 19th ICMI Study
Pagination
69-96
Series details
New ICMI Study Series-15
Publisher
Springer
Place published
Dordrecht, Germany
Language
en, English
College/Research Centre
Faculty of Science and Information Technology
Rights statement
The final publication is available at www.springerlink.com