The discussion centers around the contributions of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein to mathematics and physics, with a strong emphasis on calculus. Participants argue that Newton's invention of calculus is more fundamental than Einstein's contributions, with some asserting that Einstein relied heavily on the work of others, particularly in mathematics. There is a debate about the rigor of calculus as developed by Newton, with some claiming it is mathematically dubious due to its reliance on dividing by zero. Others counter that calculus is essential to various fields and is a foundational aspect of mathematics. The conversation also touches on the definitions of "fundamental" in mathematics, with participants discussing the hierarchy of mathematical concepts, including analysis and algebra. The discourse reflects differing opinions on the importance of historical figures in mathematics and the nature of mathematical rigor, with some arguing that many renowned mathematicians contributed primarily to applied mathematics rather than pure mathematics. Overall, the thread highlights the complexity of comparing the legacies of these two influential figures in the context of their mathematical and scientific contributions.
