Difference betw mathematical and physics definition of fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the definitions of 'field' in mathematics and physics, particularly in relation to the concept of 'Markov Random Field'. Participants express confusion regarding the applicability of these definitions in different contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the differences between the mathematical and physics definitions of 'field', suggesting a preference for the physics definition in the context of Markov Random Fields.
  • Several participants point out that the links provided are broken and suggest corrections.
  • Another participant expresses unfamiliarity with Markov Random Fields and argues that the term 'field' in this context does not align with either the mathematical or physics definitions mentioned.
  • One participant asserts that there is no relation between the algebraic meaning of "field" and the physics meaning, indicating that "vector field" is merely an abstraction of the physics definition.
  • Another participant provides a link to a different concept, the "Conditional Random Field", suggesting it may be more relevant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between the definitions of 'field' in mathematics and physics, and there are competing views regarding their relevance to Markov Random Fields.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note broken links and suggest corrections, indicating a potential limitation in accessing the referenced material. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the applicability of the definitions to the specific context of Markov Random Fields.

zerok
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Hi,
I'm a computer science guy. I was searching the definition of 'Field' in the context of 'Markov Random Field' for my project work. I found mathematical ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_theory_(mathematics ) ) and physics ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_(physics ) )definition of field. Though I am certain that physics definition is the correct one in the context of Markov Random Field. But somehow I find something related between these two definitions by searching over internet. I'm confused. Kindly clarify these things to me.

Thanks,
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
links are broken.
 
granpa said:
links are broken.

Add ')' at the end of links.
 
you add them. click on the 'edit' button below your post.
 
There is no relation between the algebraic meaning of "field" (the first Wikipedia citation) and the physics meaning of "field". The "vector field" is an abstraction of the physics meaning of "field".

But neither of those has anything to do with "Markov random field". I googled on that and got
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markov_network
 

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