I have an intuitive understanding of the definitions that will follow,

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definitions of various mathematical terms, including proposition, lemma, corollary, theorem, principle, law, and rule. Participants express a desire for clear definitions and sources, while also noting the subjective and contentious nature of these definitions in existing literature.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks specific mathematical definitions for terms related to mathematical logic and theory, expressing frustration with vague explanations.
  • Another participant provides links to Wikipedia articles for each term, suggesting these as potential sources for definitions.
  • A later reply notes that many definitions depend on the understanding of a proposition, highlighting the contention surrounding its definition.
  • Further, a participant references a specific viewpoint from the "proposition" article, mentioning that Strawson advocated for using "statement" instead of "proposition" in mathematical logic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions, as there is acknowledgment of contention and subjectivity in the existing definitions, particularly regarding the term "proposition."

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the definitions provided, including dependence on the interpretation of foundational terms like "proposition" and the subjective nature of definitions in mathematical literature.

Noxide
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I have an intuitive understanding of the definitions that will follow, but in my search to find specific definitions I only come up with vague explanations and contentious or subjective uses of those definitions. Please provide some definitions (mathematical) for the following list (and sources if possible):

proposition

lemma

corollary

theorem

principle

law

ruleThanks
 
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Noxide said:
proposition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposition"
lemma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemma_%28mathematics%29"

corollary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corollary"

theorem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theorem"

principle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle"
law
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_law"

rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.U.L.E."
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Many of the definitions listed depend on the definition of a proposition, however according to wikipedia (which I am aware of) there exists a great deal of contention as to the definition of a preposition...
 


Last sentence in the introduction of the "proposition" article : "Strawson advocated the use of the term "statement" (instead of proposition), and this is the current usage in mathematical logic."

Here.
 

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