title: "Purer Demonstrations: Evolution of Purity in Mathematics"
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Purer Demonstrations: Evolution of Purity in Mathematics with Andrew Arana (Université de Lorraine & Archives Henri-Poincaré)
25 February at 11:00 am (online - ZOOM)
Abstract
A proof of a theorem can be said to be pure if it draws only on what is “close” or “intrinsic” to that theorem. In this talk, we will introduce the apparent preference for pure proofs that has persisted in mathematics since antiquity, alongside a competing preference for impurity. After giving an example from number theory and a brief history of purity in mathematics, we will distinguish four types of purity, based on different measures of distance between theorem and proof. We will then discuss reasons for preferring pure proofs, for the varieties of purity constraints that we have presented.
ZOOM Meeting Information
Time: Feb 25, 2026 11:00 AM London
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https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/86347865798
Meeting ID: 863 4786 5798
Passcode: Purity123
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Passcode: 829684827
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Contact
Jan Vrhovski j.vrhovski@ed.ac.uk
Members of the audience with a deeper interest in the topic are invited to read Professor Arana’s book Elements of Purity (2024). https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/abs/elements-of-purity/493DEBE942EB8A4494BADB505483BF02