Hilbert's Axioms - Hilbert's Discarded Axiom

Hilbert's Discarded Axiom

Hilbert (1899) included a 21st axiom that read as follows:

II.4. Pasch's Theorem. Any four points A, B, C, D of a straight line can always be so arranged that B shall lie between A and C and also between A and D, and, furthermore, that C shall lie between A and D and also between B and D.

E.H. Moore and R.L. Moore independently proved that this axiom is redundant, and the former published this result in an article appearing in the Transactions of the American Mathematical Society in 1902.

Read more about this topic:  Hilbert's Axioms

Famous quotes containing the words discarded and/or axiom:

    I am more fond of achieving than striving. My theories must prove to be facts or be discarded as worthless. My efforts must soon be crowned with success, or discontinued.
    Carolyn Wells (1862–1942)

    It is an axiom in political science that unless a people are educated and enlightened it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty or the capacity for self-government.
    Texas Declaration of Independence (March 2, 1836)