Can high school students know calculus better than Newton?

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The discussion centers on whether high school students today can understand calculus better than its original developers, Newton and Leibniz. Participants argue that while modern students may grasp certain concepts, such as limits and infinitesimals, more effectively due to advancements in education and understanding, they lack the innovative insight that characterized the work of these historical figures. Some assert that contemporary learners can memorize and apply calculus rules but may struggle with deeper conceptual understanding. The conversation also touches on the evolution of mathematical knowledge and the challenges faced by early mathematicians, suggesting that while knowledge has expanded, the brilliance of original thinkers remains unmatched. Ultimately, the debate emphasizes the distinction between knowledge acquisition and the creative insight necessary for groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics.
  • #61
the 1000000$$ dollar question is.. if Einstein and others were sooo smart why are there still unsolved problem in physics ??.. I'd be also a genius if i had mathematician like Hilbert Poincare or similar working on my side ¡¡¡ .. Newton and Einstein were the LUCKIEST (at least speaking from scientific point of view) men in the history easy problems --(except GR of course but with a good mathematician you can understand almost everything) and easy solutions.

The main problem for us (physicist) is the vast complexity of actual theories.. you can deduce the Uncertainty relations for (x,p) and (t,E) from Fourier Analysis, but 'Standard Model' of particles need heavy courses of Group theory not to mention that 'Functional integrals' are impossible to solve and so on NO way :(
 
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  • #62
There still are unsolved problems in physics because the mathematics to solve those problems is not (yet) created. I think.
 
  • #63
Of course we know more than he did. We have the shoulders of a bigger giant than he had.
 

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