Where does math end presently?

[Lifter0569]

I've currently enrolled in Calculus II and have been thinking lately how far does the most complex present-day math "go"? When I say how far, I mean how complex is the "most complex" math in present time and what does that type of math offer? This topic really is hard to create a search on, so I've resorted to asking in a post. I realize this is relative to the person being asked the question, but generally, there must be an answer widely agreed to. Thanks in advance!




Now that I think about it..I have a part 2 for this question. Many physicists agree that physics needs a "new type" of math for any hope to solve some of the present day equations because of the sheer complexity of the problems. When they say new type of math would they mean one that did not base itself off of integers and their units? Thanks again.

 

[Mithal]

From my own experience , I find abstract mathematics is hard like abstract algebra or topology . The more advance you become , the more abstract it gets .

 

[Icebreaker]

If by the "end" of math you mean where you can begin contributing new knowledge, the answer is anywhere and at any level. A professor here published quite a few papers on something as "trivial" as critical points.

 

[ComputerGeek]

From my own experience , I find abstract mathematics is hard like abstract algebra or topology . The more advance you become , the more abstract it gets .

I love abstract algebra.

 

[saltydog]

I've currently enrolled in Calculus II and have been thinking lately how far does the most complex present-day math "go"? When I say how far, I mean how complex is the "most complex" math in present time and what does that type of math offer?

Personally I'd think coupled systems of non-linear partial integro-differential equations.

Many physicists agree that physics needs a "new type" of math for any hope to solve some of the present day equations because of the sheer complexity of the problems.

Would be nice to be around to see that happen. Perhaps we'll reach a critical-point qualitatively different than what we have now: A new non-linear computational device will be designed along the lines of the human brain unlike any linear digital computer we have today. The spark of creativity and discovery emerges from it and soon begins to design novel solutions to some of the intractable problems we face today. Just a hunch.

 

[neurocomp2003]

math never ends...you can apply math to any other subject field frm business to sociology to psychology to medicine to the other sciences and comptuer science.

As quantum and relativity grow so does math
as computer science and technology grows so does math.
As ALife grows math will also.
Now if your talking the math that studies math...like analysis...it also continues to grow that's why their are so many university professors...otherwise there would be no research in math.

 

[hypermorphism]

I've currently enrolled in Calculus II and have been thinking lately how far does the most complex present-day math "go"? When I say how far, I mean how complex is the "most complex" math in present time and what does that type of math offer? This topic really is hard to create a search on, so I've resorted to asking in a post. I realize this is relative to the person being asked the question, but generally, there must be an answer widely agreed to. Thanks in advance!

There aren't really levels of complexity to higher math. After learning analysis and algebra, everything else just requires mathematical maturity and the drive to discover new methods and apply new axioms. Basic topology can be taught to almost anyone, but without knowing analysis or algebra, the power of the methods of topology will not be immediately apparent.
However, number theory generally is held to have the most easily stated unsolved problems to the new mathematician.

 

[Gokul43201]

Personally I'd think coupled systems of non-linear partial integro-differential equations.

You know how an algebraist would react to that !

I know one math department in India that was so...(ahem) arrogant, they didn't offer any courses in DE, and had their students take courses on DEs from the physics dept.

 

[saltydog]

You know how an algebraist would react to that !

I know one math department in India that was so...(ahem) arrogant, they didn't offer any courses in DE, and had their students take courses on DEs from the physics dept.

Very well Gokul. I yield. Might you be so kind to offer your opinion as to what you consider to be the present pinnacle of mathematical sophistication?

I would be genuinely interested in your thoughs about the matter.

 

[amcavoy]

I don't know if "complex" is the best choice of words.

 

[mathwonk]

i cannot easily even venture an answer to your question, although I am tempted to try.

instead let me remark that as you may know, the material you are studying in calc II is about, let's see, 150 years old? at least.

so to you everything done since then is new.

i study geometry, and in that field riemann and his followers made great strides in understanding diomension one geometry. then it took another 60-75 years to understand well the simpler parts of 2 diemsnional geometry, and only in the last 20-30 years has a beginning been made in three diemnsional geometry.


all the while peopl have been going back snd drawing connections between geometry of lower diemsnions and other subjects like analysis and physics: e.g. string theoiry is a n elaboration of the physics of (comkplex) one dimensional geometry, and much of modern number theory is likewise an in depthm study of a very special chapter of one dimensional geometry.

...etc etc,,,,