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Everything about Formal proof

Establishment of a theorem using inference from the axioms

In logic and mathematics, a formal proof or derivation is a finite sequence of sentences, each of which is an axiom, is an assumption, or follows from the preceding sentences in the sequence, according to the rule of inference. It differs from a natural language argument in that it is rigorous, unambiguous and mechanically verifiable. If the set of assumptions is empty, then the last sentence in a formal proof is called a theorem of the formal system. The notion of theorem is generally effective, but there may be no method by which we can reliably find proof of a given sentence or determine that none exists. The concepts of Fitch-style proof, sequent calculus and natural deduction are generalizations of the concept of proof. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Formal proofA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: The Blockchain Trilemma: A Formal Proof of the Inherent Trade-Offs Among Decentralization, Security, and ScalabilityInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: The Seventeen Provers of the WorldThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Making the transition to formal proofCited 272 times
  5. Go sideways: Formal systemA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: MetalogicA closely related topic

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  1. Background

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

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