Entscheidungsproblem

English

Etymology

German, from Entscheidung ‘decision’.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɛntˈʃʌɪdʊŋsˌpɹɒbləm/

Noun

Entscheidungsproblem (uncountable)

1. (mathematics, logic) A decision problem, of finding a way to decide whether a formula is true or provable within a given system.
   • 1999: Neal Stephenson, Cryptonomicon:

     ‘The Entscheidungsproblem,’ Rudy said. ‘Meaning?’ Alan explained, ‘Hilbert wanted to know whether any given statement could, in principle, be found true or false.’