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Many great mathematicians would disagree with that. I like this definition from a prof at Stanford: A proof is a nothing more than a clear, compelling argument
by ced 16y ago
Many great mathematicians would disagree with that. I like this definition from a prof at Stanford:
A proof is a nothing more than a clear, compelling argument.
If it feels wrong, no matter how rigorous the math is, you still shouldn't blindly believe it. It's an opportunity to delve deeper, and either find a flaw in the proof (or your understanding thereof), or to educate your intuition.
- pjscott 16y agoExactly: intuitions can be changed, and if they're leading you astray then they should be. It's very important to have a solid set of intuitions, especially in fields like higher math that aren't easily intuitive.