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The Web as A Tool For Proving
Author(s) -
Stefaneas Petros,
Vandoulakis Ioannis M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
metaphilosophy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1467-9973
pISSN - 0026-1068
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9973.2012.01758.x
Subject(s) - mathematical proof , computer science , viewpoints , interpretation (philosophy) , proof assistant , web application , component (thermodynamics) , world wide web , programming language , mathematics , art , physics , geometry , visual arts , thermodynamics
The W eb may critically transform the way we understand the activity of proving. The W eb as a collaborative medium allows the active participation of people with different backgrounds, interests, viewpoints, and styles. Mathematical formal proofs are inadequate for capturing W eb‐based proofs. This article claims that W eb provings can be studied as a particular type of G oguen's proof‐events. W eb‐based proof‐events have a social component, communication medium, prover‐interpreter interaction, interpretation process, understanding and validation, historical component, and styles. To demonstrate its claim, the article discusses the Kumo and Polymath projects, both of which employ W eb‐based communication as part of proving. W eb proving is a novel type of proving activity that may have a serious impact on the change in mathematical practices, despite the fact that it is not currently a universally acceptable methodology.