Paul J. Cohen

Paul J. Cohen was a mathematician renowned for his groundbreaking work in set theory, particularly for solving the famous independence of the Continuum Hypothesis from the standard axioms of mathematics. In 1963, he developed techniques called forcing, which allowed mathematicians to prove that certain mathematical statements cannot be proven or disproven within existing frameworks. His work fundamentally changed the understanding of infinity and the structure of mathematical universes. Cohen's contributions earned him the Fields Medal in 1966, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in mathematical logic.