Talk page
Title:
The Palais-Smale Theorem and the Solution of Hilbert’s 23 Problem
Speaker:
Abstract:
Hilbert’s 23rd Problem is the last in his famous list of problems and is of a different character than the others. The description is several pages, and basically says that the calculus of variations is a subject which needs development. We will look in retrospect at one of the critical events in the calculus of variations: The point at which the critical role of dimension was understood, and the role that the Palais-Smale condition(1963) played in this understanding. I apologize that in its present state, the talk consists mostly of my reminiscences and lacks references. I welcome suggestions from the audience.
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