Contents
David Hilbert
Setting out 23 problems that helped shape twentieth-century mathematics.
Foundations of Geometry · The 23 problems
- Born
- 23 January 1862
- Birthplace
- East Prussia, now Russia
- Died
- 14 February 1943
More people
David Hilbert
Hilbert helped make Göttingen a world centre for mathematics. His research ranged from algebra and geometry to mathematical logic, while his problem list gave generations of researchers ambitious targets.
Early life
Königsberg education
Grew up and attended school in Königsberg, then studied at its university.
Close collaborators
His early intellectual circle included Hermann Minkowski and Adolf Hurwitz.
Career
- 1885
Doctorate
Completed research on invariant forms at Königsberg.
- 1895
Move to Göttingen
Accepted a professorship and helped build an influential mathematical school.
- 1930
Retirement
Retired after decades of research, teaching and supervision.
Contributions
Foundations of Geometry
Rebuilt geometry around an explicit set of assumptions.
The 23 problems
Presented a research agenda addressing fundamental questions across mathematics.
Mathematical logic
Published Principles of Mathematical Logic with Wilhelm Ackermann.
Beyond mathematics
Opening academic doors
Supported Emmy Noether’s efforts to gain the right to teach at Göttingen.
A university dismantled
Lived to see the Nazi dismissal of Jewish colleagues and the destruction of his mathematical community.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗University of St Andrews biography ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
