Developed the concept of Post correspondence problem, a famous undecidability result in computability theory, and made significant contributions to the development of modern logic and computer science.
Emil Leon Post is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the realm of computability theory, a field that would come to shape the very foundations of modern computing. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for the development of modern computers, and his ideas continue to influence computational theory to this day.
Emil Leon Post was born on February 11, 1897, in Augustów, Suwałki Governorate, Congress Poland, Russian Empire (now Poland). His family immigrated to New York City in May 1904, where he grew up facing a significant personal challenge. At the tender age of 12, Post lost his left arm in a car accident, which ultimately led him to shift his focus from astronomy to mathematics.
Post attended the Townsend Harris High School and later graduated from City College of New York in 1917 with a B.S. in mathematics. He completed his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1920 at Columbia University, under the supervision of Cassius Jackson Keyser. Following a postdoctorate at Princeton University, Post became a high school mathematics teacher in New York City.
Post's doctoral thesis, later published as "Introduction to a General Theory of Elementary Propositions" (1921), proved that the propositional calculus of Principia Mathematica was complete. This seminal work showcased his mastery of mathematical logic and computability theory. Post also independently devised truth tables, a concept that would revolutionize the field of computer science.
In 1929, Post married Gertrude Singer, with whom he had a daughter, Phyllis Post Goodman (1932-1995). Due to his struggles with manic attacks, Post limited his research to just three hours a day, as advised by his doctor. Despite these challenges, he continued to make significant contributions to mathematics and logic. Post spent the latter part of his career as a professor at the City College of New York, where he passed away on April 21, 1954, at the age of 57, due to complications from electroshock treatment for depression.
Emil Leon Post's work has had a lasting impact on the development of modern computing. His ideas on computability theory have influenced generations of computer scientists and mathematicians, paving the way for the creation of modern computers and algorithms. Today, Post's legacy serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Emil Leon Post's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who has faced obstacles in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation. His groundbreaking work continues to shape the world of computer science, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of mathematical history.
Born in 1906
A groundbreaking logician and philosopher who shook the foundations of mathematics with his incompleteness theorems, proving that no formal system can be both complete and consistent.
Born in 1903
Developed the lambda calculus and played a key role in the development of modern logic, making significant contributions to the foundations of mathematics.
Born in 1912
Pioneering mathematician and computer scientist who cracked the German Enigma code during WWII and laid the foundations for modern computer science and artificial intelligence.
Born in 1903
Pioneering mathematician and physicist who developed the concept of the modern computer architecture and made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and game theory. His work laid the foundation for modern computing and artificial intelligence.
Born in 1900
A pioneer in the development of combinatory logic, he formulated the Curry-Howard correspondence, a fundamental concept in theoretical computer science, and made significant contributions to the foundations of mathematics.
Born in 1882
A pioneering mathematician and physicist who revolutionized abstract algebra and made groundbreaking contributions to modern physics, particularly in the development of Einstein's theory of general relativity.
