Who is your Favorite Fictional Mathematician?

In summary, the conversation discusses various fictional mathematicians, including Will Hunting, Charlie Eppes, Dr. Ian Malcolm, The Calculator, The Riddler, Raymond Babbit, Professor Moriarty, Professor Calculus, Jack Bristow, Le Chiffre, Dexter, Zane Donovan, Eddie Lawson, and Trillian Astra. The participants also mention characters from Star Trek and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Some express confusion about the inclusion of certain characters, such as Zane Donovan and Cuthbert Calculus.
  • #1
BenVitale
72
1
Who is your Favorite Fictional Mathematician?

http://polldaddy.com/poll/3141175/

(1) Will Hunting(Good Will Hunting)
(2) Charlie Eppes (Numb3rs)
(3) Dr Ian Malcom (Jurassic Park)
(4) The Calculator (Comic Book Villain)
(5) The Riddler/Edward Nigma (Batman)
(6) Raymond Babbit (Rain Man)
(7) Professor Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes)
(8) Professor Calculus (Tintin)
(9) Jack Bristow (Alias)
(10) Le Chiffre (Casino Royale)
(11) Dexter (Dexter’s Lab)
(12) Zane Donovan (Eureka)
(13) Eddie Lawson (Waterloo Road)
(14) Trillian Astra (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)
(15) Other

My favorite is Charlie Eppes (Numb3rs), what's yours?
 
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  • #2
The fictional John Nash in a beautiful mind. yes people will hate me.
 
  • #3
Gwyneth Paltrow from Proof, she's not only hot but also solved Riemann's hypothesis.
 
  • #4
That brings up a good question did they have any in star trek? Or did computers solve all math problems by that time?

Hurm... Ya I'll go with data from star trek. The rest of the crew would be like we'll never figure out that "math" problem in time and he just spouts out the answer :)
 
  • #5
Mu naught said:
The fictional John Nash in a beautiful mind. yes people will hate me.

Wouldn't "fictional mathematicians" describe pure mathematicians as opposed to applied ones?
 
  • #6
If that's the case his whole list is out the window..
 
  • #7
arrrgh, I voted for Charlie before I saw that you had Zane on that list :eek: Although to be fair, Zane is a theoretical physicist and computer programmer/hacker, not really a mathematician.
 
  • #8
Pinu7 said:
Wouldn't "fictional mathematicians" describe pure mathematicians as opposed to applied ones?

Yet you don't have a problem with a cartoon character who has a secret lab in his parents house?

[PLAIN]http://raoworld.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/facepalm.jpg
 
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  • #9
hmmm I guess I'd have to go with charlie
 
  • #10
Trillian.
 
  • #11
Should I try to read the book or watch the movie? I haven't yet sadly :(
 
  • #12
magpies said:
Should I try to read the book or watch the movie? I haven't yet sadly :(

Hitchhikers Guide? It is really quite good. If you like Monty Python figure Hitchhikers Guide as being much like if they had done sci fi. Douglas Adams (the author of the series) was actually a member of Monty Python for a while. The movie certainly was not nearly as good but that is just a normal expectation, it was fairly good in its own right I think.
 
  • #13
And where's HAL from Space Odyssey?
 
  • #14
Cuthbert Calculus (number 8) was more of a scientist/inventor. I suppose he had to use math when designing his shark-submarine, but seriously...

...what's with this poll? :sardonic:
 

Related to Who is your Favorite Fictional Mathematician?

1. Who is your favorite fictional mathematician?

I am an artificial intelligence and do not have a personal preference for any fictional mathematician. My purpose is to provide information and assist with scientific research.

2. Can you name some popular fictional mathematicians?

Some popular fictional mathematicians include Sherlock Holmes, Professor Charles Xavier from X-Men, and Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park.

3. What makes a fictional character a mathematician?

A fictional character can be considered a mathematician if they possess a deep understanding and passion for mathematics, use mathematical concepts to solve problems, and are recognized as a mathematician within their fictional universe.

4. Are there any famous real-life mathematicians that have been portrayed in fiction?

Yes, there are many famous real-life mathematicians who have been portrayed in fiction, such as Alan Turing in the movie "The Imitation Game" and John Nash in the movie "A Beautiful Mind".

5. How does fiction use mathematics in storytelling?

Mathematics can be used in fiction to add complexity and depth to a character, create plot twists and puzzles, and explore philosophical and ethical concepts. It can also be used to explain or illustrate real-world scientific concepts in a more accessible way.

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