How Many Mathematicians Are Secretly Trying to Solve the Riemann Hypothesis?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the prevalence of mathematicians attempting to solve the Riemann Hypothesis (RH), with a focus on the varying definitions of "trying." Participants express skepticism about the claim that most mathematicians engage with RH in their spare time, suggesting that while many may work on related fields, fewer are directly tackling the problem. The conversation also highlights the presence of amateur mathematicians who believe they have solved RH, contrasting them with professional mathematicians who may not actively pursue the hypothesis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Riemann Hypothesis and its significance in mathematics.
  • Familiarity with the zeta function and its implications in number theory.
  • Knowledge of complex analysis and its relation to RH.
  • Awareness of the mathematical community's dynamics and the distinction between professional and amateur mathematicians.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the current state of attempts to solve the Riemann Hypothesis.
  • Explore the role of the zeta function in number theory and its connections to RH.
  • Investigate the impact of amateur mathematicians on the perception of mathematical problems.
  • Learn about the history and significance of the Riemann Hypothesis in modern mathematics.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of mathematics, and enthusiasts interested in the Riemann Hypothesis, as well as those exploring the intersection of professional and amateur contributions to mathematical research.

nonequilibrium
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I once had a math professor who said that although they might not admit it, most mathematicians try to solve the Riemann hypothesis in their spare time.

How true is this? Who is trying to solve the Riemann hypothesis? I don't just mean "are you?" (although feel free to speak up if you are) but more generally: how big is the group that is trying to solve this? I suppose this strongly depends on how you define "trying"; I can imagine a lot of different levels of "trying it seriously".
 
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Define "trying to solve". There are entire fields of mathematics who's developments shed light on the zeta function, do the people working in those field qualify?
 
You can define it yourselves; I welcome answers from different perspectives.

I'd personally be more curious about people that are directly tackeling the problem, without "just" proving results about the zeta function in the hope it might be helpful for other people; on the other that might be the only way to go about it :)

And what about regular mathematicians; do they ever try? Even in their spare time (as claimed by my professor)? Does perhaps most, say, complex analysis mathematicians try to tackle it in their spare time (now and then)?
 
I think the statement might be a little too general IMO ;)
 
I'm willing to bet there are far more cranky amateurs trying to prove RH than there are professional mathematicians. Less cranks than was previously the case for the superficially far more accessible FLT, but still many.

Lots of these guys are even convinced they've succeeded, but "The Man" (the mathematical establishment) wants to keep them down and suppress their marvellous discovery for its own sinister reasons.
 
Right now I am deep in the Belly of the Beast... again. Count me in.
 
I've solved it, it was pretty easy.
 

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