In mathematics, Hilbert's second problem was posed by David Hilbert in 1900 as one of his 23 problems. It asks for a proof that arithmetic is consistent – free of any internal contradictions.
In the 1930s, Kurt Gödel and Gerhard Gentzen proved results that cast new light on the problem. Some feel that these results resolved the problem, while others feel that the problem is still open.
Read more about Hilbert's Second Problem: Hilbert's Problem and Its Interpretation, Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, Gentzen's Consistency Proof, Modern Viewpoints On The Status of The Problem
Famous quotes containing the word problem:
“But a problem occurs about nothing. For that from which something is made is a cause of the thing made from it; and, necessarily, every cause contributes some assistance to the effect’s existence.”
—Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)