Distinguished Lecture Series
Avi Wigderson
Institute for Advanced Study
The "P vs. NP" problem: efficient computation, Internet security, and the limits to human knowledge
Abstract: The "P vs. NP" problem, formulated by computer theorists in the 1970s, quickly became a central outstanding problem
of science and mathematics. In this talk I will attempt to describe its mathematical, scientific and philosophical
content. I will discuss its status, and the implications of its resolution on science and technology (making clear
that the \$1M prize on solving it pales in comparison with these implications).
No special background will be assumed.
Wednesday October 15, 2014 at 4:00 PM in 2LCC C6