Abstract

In this paper, we explore the possibility of applying traditional and modern aesthetical theories to logical and mathematical proofs, with the goal of better understanding the intuitive concept of mathematical beauty. This informal concept takes a central role in the work of logicians and mathematicians and can be thought of as their main motivation. In the present paper, we try to define concepts connected to mathematical beauty or beauty in mathematical proofs, so that we may lay the foundations for a more precise definition of mathematical beauty which would be obtained through a detailed survey among logicians and mathematicians, presented in a future paper. The present paper brings crucial results to be used for constructing the survey.