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Functor97
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Gauss, Poincare, Euler, Hilbert, Riemman, Cantor, Godel all stand out as universal mathematicians. I define universal as either contributing to a vast number of fields of mathematics in quite distinct areas or someone who has changed the entire face of mathematics as it stands. That list is by no means complete, but those names do stand out.
Is it possible for a modern mathematician to accomplish similar feats? Is it possible to understand vast regions of modern mathematics, from geometric analysis, through algebra, number theory and fundamental set theory, and what's more contribute to them? Or have times changed? Should a mathematician specialise in an area, and remain in that area after say their Phd?
Is it possible for a modern mathematician to accomplish similar feats? Is it possible to understand vast regions of modern mathematics, from geometric analysis, through algebra, number theory and fundamental set theory, and what's more contribute to them? Or have times changed? Should a mathematician specialise in an area, and remain in that area after say their Phd?