Princeton Neuroscience Institute Seminar

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 $\$1$M prize on solving it pales in comparison with these implications). No special background will be assumed.