Automating the Search for Answers to Open Questions

• Authors: Larry Wos;Branden Fitelson
• Venue: TPHOLs '00 Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Theorem Proving in Higher Order Logics
• Year: 2000

This article provides evidence for the arrival of automated reasoning. Indeed, one of its primary goals of the early 1960s has been reached: The use of an automated reasoning program frequently leads to significant contributions to mathematics and to logic. In addition, although not clearly an original objective, the use of such a program now plays an important role for chip design and for program verification. That importance can be sharply increased; indeed, in this article we discuss the possible value of automated reasoning to finding better designs of chips, circuits, and computer code. We also provide insight into the mechanisms--in particular, strategy--that have led to numerous successes. To complement the evidence we present and to encourage further research, we offer challenges and open questions for consideration. We include a glimpse of the future and some commentary on the possibly unexpected benefits of automating the search for answers to open questions.