Can science’s students recognize the logical arguments in¬volved in a demonstration?

Abstract

In every mathematical proof logically correct arguments are used; it is a necessary condition to find out them, and also to recognize how they are applied, for understanding some of the key steps in the demonstrations. But can a student clearly identify the arguments used in a demonstration? And if he recognizes them, is he able to explain how they were used? The aim of this paper is to explore if mathematics’ and computer science’s students –who have met demonstrations at their university, master or even doctoral courses– can successfully identify and explain the arguments within a demonstration.