Description
Abstract:
athematics and physics have different cultures and are practiced by different tribes. Much invective has been designed to instil tribal loyalty, with pronouncements ranging from “Mathematics is the handmaiden of physics” to “Throughout mathematics, inspiration and the hard work of completing proofs are necessary. No guide from physics can help.” Nonetheless, quality research bridging the two is easy to find. Mathematics is at the core of physics, and time and time again, results in physics have proved essential to mathematics. I’ll argue that there’s no meaningful dividing line between the two disciplines, and that both cultures would be better off if we stopped worrying about maintaining purity.