Mechanization of mathematics: some examples for discussion

by Peter Paule, Research Institute for Symbolic Computation, Johannes Kepler University, Linz

Abstract:

“None of my inventions came by accident. I see a worthwhile need to be met and I make trial after trial until it comes. What it boils down to is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

Owing to computers it increasingly has become possible to automate the perspiration phase in Edison’s statement. Recent AI developments stimulated renewed interest in the question of how far non-routine parts of mathematical work can be automated.

In this talk we present concrete examples of non-trivial applications of RISC computer algebra algorithms in enumerative combinatorics, special functions, and number theory. Related aspects of mechanization of mathematics are left for discussion.