Automated Theorem Proving: Underlying Theory, Overarching Concepts, and Human Factor Issues

In this memo, we discuss the topic of automated theorem proving. This note is intended to serve as an introduction for someone interested in the topic but who doesn’t have extensive background in formal proof systems. The topics covered in this memo are kept at a somewhat conceptual level and pointers are provided to appropriate references for more in-depth treatment of specific topics. In the first section, we present an overview of the theory involved in automated theorem proving, including core definitions, theoretical limitations, and practical implications. In the second section, we present the general concepts that are present in all theorem provers and list a few popular theorem proving systems as surveyed through the literature. Finally, in the third section, we give a list of the human factor issues that are inherent in the use of automated theorem provers and how those issues affect the practicality of using automated proof systems.