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H for Hilbert

...and M for Mathematics

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Lettera Matematica

Abstract

We consider Hilbert’s contributions to the foundations of mathematics, including his conception of the axiomatic method, his notion of mathematical proof, and his approach to infinity through finitary tools. We describe his “Programme”, and we comment its collapse due to Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems. Despite that defeat, Hilbert’s project remains topical today.

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Notes

  1. For a given statement and its negation, one and only one can be true.

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Acknowledgements

The author thanks Michele Abrusci and Gabriele Lolli for their suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Mathematics, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032, Camerino, Italy

    Carlo Toffalori

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  1. Carlo Toffalori
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Correspondence to Carlo Toffalori.

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Dedicated to Camerino and all the friends hit by the earthquake.

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Toffalori, C. H for Hilbert. Lett Mat Int 5, 119–123 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40329-017-0167-3

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