The Arbitrariness of Symmetry in Mathematical Proofs

Authors

Melisa Vivanco, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-25-2024

Abstract

Symmetry is not an inherent characteristic of mathematical proofs; instead, it is a property that arbitrarily manifests in different modes of presentation. This arbitrariness leads to the conclusion that symmetry cannot be part of the defining or essential properties that characterize proofs. Consequently, contrary to some authors’ claims, symmetry does not significantly contribute to the validity, accuracy, or soundness of mathematical proofs. What is more, it does not even play any critical role in heuristic aspects such as explanatory power. The examples developed in this paper constitute compelling evidence supporting these claims.

Comments

Copyright the author. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Vivanco, Melisa. “The Arbitrariness of Symmetry in Mathematical Proofs”. Revista De Humanidades De Valparaíso, no. 25, July 2024, pp. 129-48, doi:10.22370/rhv2024iss25pp129-148

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Revista De Humanidades De Valparaíso

DOI

https://doi.org/10.22370/rhv2024iss25