Computability Theory
Dr. Heinrich Rolletschek
September 6, 2009
Thursday, 8:30-10:00, T 038/1, beginning October 6 2011
In contrast to courses like Design and Analysis of
Algorithms, where specific algorithms are sought for specific problems, this course deals with the very
notion of (algorithmic) computability. What precisely does it mean to say that certain mathematical
problems cannot be solved algorithmically even in principle? Negative results of this kind are typical for
computability theory. As it turns out, various attempts to formalize the notion of computability all
give rise to the same notion of partial recursive function, and there are good arguments to regard it as
a mathematical equivalent for the informal notion of algorithmically computable partial function.
Considerations in computability theory also have some relevance for the old question whether or not computers
may completely replace humans (as mathematical problem solvers).
One natural sequel is the subject of , one of the topics in the follow-up course
Decidability- and Complexity Classes.
Chapters 1-6 deal with the following:
- Definition of the basic concepts of computability theory. For instance, the notion of recursive
function is regarded as being equivalent to the intuitive notion of algorithmically computable
function, but it is defined in a mathematically precise way.
- In order to support the claim that the class of recursive functions coincides with that of
algorithmically computable functions, it is shown that it is closed under numerous operations, and that
many computable functions which occur in real life are indeed recursive.
- The first group of results are established which are really typical for computability theory; they
include the basic enumeration- and S-m-n-theorems, various characterizations of recursively enumerable sets,
and the first undecidability result. The diagonal method is introduced as a basic proof method.
- Some alternative ways are discussed how the class of recursive functions could have been defined in
the first place; two of the most well-known ones use µ-recursion and Turing machines.
- Further undecidability results are established by the method of reduction. This chapter
contains other typical results from recursive function theory, for instance, the famous fixed-point
theorem.
- Elementary theory of reducibility. Intuitively, a problem P is reducible to a
problem Q if any (hypothetical) algorithm for solving Q yields an algorithm for
solving P. This intuitive concept can be made mathematically precise in various (nonequivalent)
ways.
Lecture notes will be handed out. Among textbooks we mention
- G. Tourlakis: Computability. Reston Publishing Company 1984.
- W. Brainerd, L. Landweber: Theory of Computation. Wiley 1974.
- M. Sipser: Introduction to the Theory of Computation. PWS Publishing Company 2005.
Oral exam by agreement. Just consult me when you are ready.