Greatest mathematician of the 20th century

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on identifying the greatest mathematician of the 20th century, with participants expressing varied opinions and humor. Key figures mentioned include Ramanujan and Hilbert, with the latter noted for his significant impact on physics despite not being a physicist. The conversation highlights the subjective nature of greatness in mathematics, with some users humorously referencing the Mythbusters as contenders. Ultimately, the discussion reveals the complexity of measuring mathematical greatness through votes and contributions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 20th-century mathematics and key figures such as Ramanujan and Hilbert.
  • Familiarity with the impact of mathematics on physics.
  • Knowledge of mathematical contributions and their significance in various disciplines.
  • Awareness of the subjective nature of defining "greatness" in mathematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan to number theory.
  • Explore David Hilbert's work and his influence on modern mathematics and physics.
  • Investigate the role of public perception in the recognition of mathematicians.
  • Examine the debate between theory-builders and problem-solvers in mathematics.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, students of mathematics, and anyone interested in the historical impact of mathematicians on science and society.

Who do you consider the best mathematician of the previous century?

  • Banach

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Connes

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Deligne

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Erdos

    Votes: 4 16.0%

  • Godel

    Votes: 5 20.0%

  • Grothendieck

    Votes: 5 20.0%

  • Hausdorff

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Hilbert

    Votes: 8 32.0%

  • Kolmogorov

    Votes: 5 20.0%

  • Lebesgue

    Votes: 3 12.0%

  • Nash

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Noether

    Votes: 2 8.0%

  • Perelman

    Votes: 2 8.0%

  • Ramanujan

    Votes: 9 36.0%

  • Von Neumann

    Votes: 6 24.0%

  • Weil

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Weyl

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Wiles

    Votes: 2 8.0%

  • The Mythbusters

    Votes: 3 12.0%

  • Other/Nobody

    Votes: 3 12.0%
  • Total voters
    25
micromass
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Inspired by the other poll on the physicists, I decided to make a poll on the best mathematician of the 20the century. Only a bit more serious...

Now, since you can only select 20 poll options, it was inevitable that some great minds were left out. I tried to include as many disciplines as possible and I tried to include some popular names.
 
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The Mythbusters, duh. They have the most results...:rolleyes:

:smile:

Godel votes for whomever is not on your list.

Of course, this implies that mathematicians can be great...
 
I vote for whoever can definitively settle this dispute.
 
Never bring that thread up again, lest that whole mess get started anew...
 
Triple_D said:
I vote for whoever can definitively settle this dispute.

I really don't understand why people are arguing about the silly thing...
 
micromass said:
I really don't understand why people are arguing about the silly thing...

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Perhaps the greatest physicist could settle the DDWFTTW thread. :smile:

Yeah, I know...I shouldn't have brought that one up either. But sometimes I just can't help myself. :devil:
 
Or the "If your so smart" thread in general physics...
 
Oh the irony
 
  • #11
I contributed a little to that thread (I think) but people keep making new threads. It won't die.
 
  • #12
I have go with Mythbusters. How many of those other posers had TV shows? ;:-)
 
  • #13
It's like apples and oranges .. I don't know how you can tell this mathematician is greater than that mathematician.

I am math illiterate and I don't watch Mythbusters so I cannot pick any!
 
  • #14
Ooh, let's send
48/2(9+3)
into the Mythbusters!
 
  • #15
micromass said:
I really don't understand why people are arguing about the silly thing...
I will attempt to explain:
Side 1 "We're right they're wrong!"
Side 2 "We're right they're wrong!"
 
  • #16
FtlIsAwesome said:
I will attempt to explain:
Side 1 "We're right they're wrong!"
Side 2 "We're right they're wrong!"

It's more like

Side 1 "These are the mathematical rules which we have worked with for centuries"
Side 2 "Screw the rules, I want implicit multiplication, whatever it means"
 
  • #17
micromass said:
It's more like

Side 1 "These are the mathematical rules which we have worked with for centuries"
Side 2 "Screw the rules, I want implicit multiplication, whatever it means"
Don't push me! :biggrin:
I'm trying to stay neutral/unknown on the subject.
 
  • #18
Mythbusters are clearly the right choice on this subject.
 
  • #19
The greatest mathematician is the one who gets the most votes.

I am voting for the greatest mathematician.

Therefore I am voting for the mathematician with the most votes.

However, to begin each mathematician has zero votes, and so I can never make a choice.

Therefore there is no greatest mathematician.

(i know that was really really weak but I'm not as clever as some of you :frown:)
 
  • #20
If we go by number of papers published, the answer is clear...
 
  • #21
jhae2.718 said:
If we go by number of papers published, the answer is clear...

I foresee a discussion about who's more important - theory-builders or problem-solvers...

I took the question as "greatest mathematician by natural ability (or talent)" and therefore voted Ramanujan. Unthinkable what he could have done if he'd stayed alive longer.

Of mathematician who actually lived to do their work, without a doubt in my mind, it's Hilbert, not least because of his impact on physics (while not actually being one).
 

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