On posting equations, identities, etc.

  • Thread starter mesa
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In summary, the conversation discusses the rules and regulations of the Physics Forum regarding the submission of personal theories and proofs. It is stated that only content published in standard textbooks or journals is allowed, with exceptions made with the consent of mentors. The purpose of the forum is to help people understand current and mainstream science, not to advance it. The potential for clutter and the risk of attracting crackpots are also mentioned. The conversation also delves into the nature of mathematics and the importance of professional math journals for new proofs and theories.
  • #1
mesa
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Theory is broad and can be subjective so it makes sense that 'personal theories' (or in most cases 'conjecture at best') are not allowed on PF however mathematics is proof based so how does that violate our terms of use? Perhaps I am missing something?
 
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  • #2
The rules are clear, if it's not published in a standard textbook or in a journal, then it's not allowed. Exceptions can always be made of course if the mentors give their explicit consent.

I don't want hundreds of people giving "proofs" for Fermat's last theorem or "counterexamples" for Cantor's diagonalization argument. So if it hasn't appeared in mainstream sources, then it's not allowed.
 
  • #3
micromass said:
The rules are clear, if it's not published in a standard textbook or in a journal, then it's not allowed. Exceptions can always be made of course if the mentors give their explicit consent.

I don't want hundreds of people giving "proofs" for Fermat's last theorem or "counterexamples" for Cantor's diagonalization argument. So if it hasn't appeared in mainstream sources, then it's not allowed.

Okay, so you suggest the issue is in that we will get too 'cluttered' in the process and that is the problem. PF has been around for awhile so I would imagine there is 'case' history for such things?
 
  • #4
mesa said:
Okay, so you suggest the issue is in that we will get too 'cluttered' in the process and that is the problem. PF has been around for awhile so I would imagine there is 'case' history for such things?

Yes, there is.
 
  • #5
micromass said:
Yes, there is.

That is too bad, it would seem reducing some minor clutter would take backseat to the progress of provable ideas but then again this is just a forum.

Thanks for the input.
 
  • #6
mesa said:
That is too bad, it would seem reducing some minor clutter would take backseat to the progress of provable ideas but then again this is just a forum.

Thanks for the input.

See, this is a common mistake. The goal of this forum is not to advance science and mathematics. That's what academic journals are for. Even if we were to allow new theories here, there wouldn't be any new theory in math or physics that would need an internet forum.

Our goal is to help people (students, laymen,...) understand current and mainstream science.

Read also this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=617567#post4664231
 
  • #7
micromass said:
See, this is a common mistake. The goal of this forum is not to advance science and mathematics. That's what academic journals are for. Even if we were to allow new theories here, there wouldn't be any new theory in math or physics that would need an internet forum.

It doesn't seem a mistake to see the Physics Forum has the potential to be more.

micromass said:
Read also this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=617567#post4664231

I have read it and understand the point but Math is not 'theory'. There is no arguing a Proof.
 
  • #8
mesa said:
It doesn't seem a mistake to see the Physics Forum has the potential to be more.

No meaningful scientific content will ever be developed on an internet forum. If we allow personal theories, then the only thing we will get are crackpots.

I have read it and understand the point but Math is not 'theory'. There is no arguing a Proof.

That's very idealistic of you. But you should definitely read up on the history of mathematics then. There have been plenty of arguments about whether a proof was valid. Mathematicians criticized each other all the time.
Even now, there are plenty of arguments about proofs: https://www.math.columbia.edu/~woit/wordpress/?p=6514
And there have been plenty of proofs which were wrong: http://mathoverflow.net/questions/3...hematical-results-that-were-later-shown-wrong

It is best to deal with new proofs and new mathematical theories in professional math journals and not in an internet forum.
 
  • #9
If an idea is shown to be wrong then it was never Proven to begin with. It seems doubtful Physics Forum would see many cases where it would be difficult to differentiate.
 
  • #10
We have a 'line in the sand' which is good for Theory but it seems time to extend it for Proofs.
 
  • #11
You have received your answer.
 

What is the purpose of posting equations and identities in scientific research?

Posting equations and identities in scientific research allows for a clear and concise representation of complex concepts and relationships. It also allows for easier communication and collaboration among scientists.

How should equations and identities be formatted when posting them?

Equations and identities should be formatted according to the standard conventions of the specific field of study. This includes using appropriate symbols, notation, and formatting.

Are there any specific guidelines for posting equations and identities in research publications?

Yes, most scientific journals have specific guidelines for formatting and presenting equations and identities in research publications. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure consistency and clarity in the published work.

What is the best way to check the accuracy of posted equations and identities?

The best way to check the accuracy of posted equations and identities is to double-check all calculations and ensure that all symbols and notation are used correctly. It is also helpful to have a colleague review the equations and identities for any potential errors.

Can equations and identities be posted in any format, such as handwritten or typed?

While equations and identities can be posted in any format, it is recommended to use digital tools such as LaTeX to ensure legibility and consistency. Handwritten equations and identities can be difficult to read and may lead to errors or misinterpretations.

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