Cognitive Units, Connections and Mathematical Proof
نویسندگان
چکیده
Mathematical proof seems attractive to some, yet impenetrable to others. In this paper a theory is suggested involving “cognitive units” which can be the conscious focus of attention at a given time and connections in the individual’s cognitive structure that allow deductive proof to be formulated. Whilst elementary mathematics often involves sequential algorithms where each step cues the next, proof also requires a selection and synthesis of alternative paths to make a deduction. The theory is illustrated by considering the standard proof of the irrationality of √2 and its generalisation to the irrationality of √3. Cognitive units and connections
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تاریخ انتشار 1997