At the turn of the 20th century, the renowned mathematician David Hilbert aimed to introduce a more rigorous, mathematical approach to physics. At that time, physicists were grappling with debates over fundamental definitions, such as the nature of heat and the structure of molecules, and Hilbert believed that the formal logic of mathematics could offer clarity.
On August 8, 1900, Hilbert presented a list of 23 significant mathematical problems to the International Congress of Mathematicians. His sixth problem was to "Produce airtight proofs of the laws of physics."
Hilbert's sixth problem was vast in its scope. He proposed treating "in the same manner [as geometry], by means of axioms, those physical sciences in which mathematics plays an important part."
Dave Levermore, a mathematician at the University of Maryland, described Hilbert's challenge to axiomatize physics as "really a program." He further commented that "The way the sixth problem is actually stated, it's never going to be solved."
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