Series: Logic Seminar

Speaker: Stephen G. Simpson (Penn State)

Title: Foundations of Mathematics: an Overview

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 1998

Time: 2:30-3:45 PM

Place: 113 McAllister Building

Abstract:

Foundations of mathematics (f.o.m.) is the systematic study of the
logical structure and most basic concepts of mathematics, with an eye
to the unity of human knowledge.  In this talk I will present an
overview of f.o.m.  Among the aspects which I shall consider are:
selection of basic concepts, selection of axioms, the need for new
axioms, the hierarchy of consistency strengths, practical
completeness.