- #1
g_the_b
- 2
- 0
is perhaps Kevin Brown a new Nicolas Bourbaky?
Kevin Brown Math Pages: Math Genius?
- Context: Other
- Thread starter g_the_b
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the identity of Kevin Brown and whether he can be compared to Nicolas Bourbaki, a pseudonymous collective of mathematicians. The conversation touches on themes of anonymity in mathematics, the historical context of Bourbaki, and the implications of pseudonyms in academic work.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested, Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that Kevin Brown might be a new Nicolas Bourbaki.
- Another participant points out that if Kevin Brown is a real person, he cannot be Bourbaki, as Bourbaki was a pseudonym for a group of mathematicians.
- There is mention of a possible connection between Kevin Brown and Fred Olson, though this is not confirmed.
- A humorous remark is made about Bourbaki's writing history, implying a light-hearted take on the identity of Bourbaki.
- One participant expresses a desire to respect the anonymity of Kevin Brown, acknowledging the importance of privacy.
- A participant apologizes for a previous error in spelling Bourbaki's name.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of Kevin Brown or his comparison to Bourbaki. Multiple views regarding anonymity and the implications of pseudonyms are present.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes references to historical figures and the nature of pseudonyms in mathematics, but lacks definitive conclusions about Kevin Brown's identity or status.
- #2
jedishrfu
Mentor
- 15,692
- 10,498
There is some prior discussion on PF about Kevin Brown:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/author-of-mathpages-com.146391/
As to being Bourbaki, you have to determine if Brown is a real person. If so then he can't be Bourbaki (pseudonym for a group of mathematicians publishing anonymously using Bourbaki's name and image). Bourbaki existed in real life however he was no mathematician but instead a government official in Napoleon's time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Bourbaki
and the real Bourbaki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles-Denis_Bourbaki
With respect to Kevin Brown, he may be an alias for Fred Olson:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/misc.int-property/HNwZkS2kS9A
Although from other readings I found, he may want to remain anonymous and that should be respected.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/author-of-mathpages-com.146391/
As to being Bourbaki, you have to determine if Brown is a real person. If so then he can't be Bourbaki (pseudonym for a group of mathematicians publishing anonymously using Bourbaki's name and image). Bourbaki existed in real life however he was no mathematician but instead a government official in Napoleon's time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Bourbaki
and the real Bourbaki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles-Denis_Bourbaki
With respect to Kevin Brown, he may be an alias for Fred Olson:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/misc.int-property/HNwZkS2kS9A
Although from other readings I found, he may want to remain anonymous and that should be respected.
Last edited:
- #3
Demystifier
Science Advisor
- 14,714
- 7,309
When did Bourbaki stop writing books? When they realized that Serge Lang was a single person. 
- #4
g_the_b
- 2
- 0
thanks for help
as you say... respect
and I beg your pardon for the "way" I wrote Bourbak"y"
as you say... respect
and I beg your pardon for the "way" I wrote Bourbak"y"