Some time ago a reviewer remarked "I am also wondering whether results about all kinds of Lie algebras are what we should be looking for. This is what you do at the earlier stages of a theory, may be to see how far the defining axioms can take you. If I am not mistaken, people nowadays look for structures that appear in some context." Whilst I understand the importance of motivation in mathematical research, I'm puzzled by the fact that results claiming to elucidate the structure of important classes of Lie algebras, such as solvable or nilpotent algebras, require further justification. Has the context here not already been established?
Generally speaking, precise mathematical expression of things like "motivation", "context", "research problem", "value of a mathematical result" is the main unsolved problems in mathematics. I call it "coordinatization of mathematics". We still live in Dark Ages of Mathematics.
An interesting response Peteris. To my mind, as with other things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
You've inspired me to read your article on "coordinatization of mathematics".
I understand the equivocation Henk. The early days of a new area can be exciting, but important insights can be gained after 'diminishing returns' have kicked in.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Mathematics