Proof theory

1. Proof theory is a branch of mathematical logic that focuses on the structure of mathematical proofs. It deals with the study and analysis of formal mathematical deduction systems and the rules used to establish the validity of mathematical statements. Proof theory is concerned with the fundamental question of how mathematical arguments can be formulated in a rigorous and systematic way, with the ultimate goal of providing a clear and precise understanding of the reasoning behind mathematical theorems and their proofs.

What is a Herbrand interpretation in proof theory?

A) An interpretation used in software engineering.
B) An interpretation based on mathematical induction.
C) An interpretation of a first-order logic formula by assigning concrete values to variables.
D) An interpretation that relies on axiomatic systems.

2. What is the goal of normalisation in proof theory?

A) To standardize the notation used in mathematical proofs.
B) To add complexity to a proof in order to make it more convincing.
C) To eliminate the need for formal proofs.
D) To transform a proof into a canonical form for easier analysis.

3. What is a proof complexity in proof theory?

A) Determining the truth value of a proposition.
B) Counting the number of logical connectives in a formula.
C) The study of the resources required to prove mathematical theorems.
D) Measuring the length of a mathematical proof.

4. What is the principle of cut elimination in proof theory?

A) The rule that cuts are necessary for valid proofs.
B) The principle that cuts cannot be used in formal logic.
C) The property that all proofs must eliminate cuts.
D) Every proof containing a cut can be transformed into a cut-free proof.

5. What is the Curry-Howard correspondence in proof theory?

A) A rule for constructing mathematical proofs.
B) A historical event in proof theory.
C) A type of logical inference.
D) A correspondence between proofs and computer programs in intuitionistic logic.

6. What are the logical connectives in propositional logic?

A) ADD, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY.
B) FOR, WHILE, DO.
C) AND, OR, NOT.
D) IF, THEN, ELSE.

7. Who introduced the concept of sequent calculus in proof theory?

A) Henri Poincaré.
B) Alonzo Church.
C) Gerhard Gentzen.
D) Alfred Tarski.

8. What is the connection between Gödel's incompleteness theorems and proof theory?

A) The theorems show the limitations of formal proof systems.
B) The theorems establish standard axiomatic systems.
C) The theorems provide new techniques for proof construction.
D) The theorems eliminate the need for proof complexity.

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