John von Neumann

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John von neumann tomb 2004

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Neumann János emléktáblája szülőháza falán (Budapest V. kerület, Báthory u 26.)

Flow chart of Planning and coding of problems for an electronic computing instrument, 1947

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John von Neumann (December 28, 1903 – February 8, 1957) was a Hungarian-American mathematician, physicist, computer scientist, engineer, and polymath. He made major contributions to a number of fields, including mathematics, physics, quantum mechanics, computer science, economics, and statistics. Von Neumann was a key figure in the development of the digital computer, and he is considered one of the greatest mathematicians in modern history.

Early Life

John von Neumann was born in Budapest, Hungary, into a wealthy and educated Jewish family. From a young age, he exhibited extraordinary mathematical talent. He completed his primary and secondary education in Budapest and went on to study chemical engineering at the University of Berlin. He received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Budapest at the age of 22.

Contributions to Mathematics

Von Neumann's contributions to mathematics were vast. He made significant advances in set theory, functional analysis, quantum mechanics, group theory, and topology, among other areas. His work on the axiomatic set theory helped lay the foundations for modern mathematics.

Quantum Mechanics

In quantum mechanics, von Neumann was the first to rigorously formulate the theory, including the concept of Hilbert spaces, which became a standard framework. His book, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, remains a seminal work in the field.

Computer Science

Von Neumann's most enduring contribution to computer science was the development of the von Neumann architecture, a computer design model that forms the basis of most modern computers. This architecture was a significant departure from the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, which was based on a different architecture.

Economics and Game Theory

In economics, von Neumann's work on game theory, particularly his development of the minimax theorem with Oskar Morgenstern, laid the groundwork for modern economic theory. Their book, Theory of Games and Economic Behavior, is considered one of the foundational texts in the field.

Death and Legacy

John von Neumann died on February 8, 1957, in Washington, D.C., from cancer. His legacy is vast, with contributions that have shaped multiple disciplines. He was awarded the Medal for Merit for his wartime contributions and the Enrico Fermi Award posthumously in 1956 for his contributions to the development of atomic energy.

See Also

• ENIAC
• Game theory
• Quantum mechanics
• Von Neumann architecture