Who are the potential candidates for the 2006 Abel Prize?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential candidates for the 2006 Abel Prize, exploring various perspectives on who should be recognized in the field of mathematics. Participants consider the implications of age, reputation, and the nature of contributions to mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the Abel Prize should honor established, older mathematicians with indisputable achievements.
  • Others argue that the prize money could be better utilized to support those in need rather than awarded to older mathematicians.
  • There is a viewpoint that the prize should also consider younger mathematicians who have made significant contributions, distinguishing it from the Fields Medal.
  • One participant notes that the Abel Prize and the Fields Medal can coexist, targeting different groups within the mathematical community.
  • Concerns are raised about the socioeconomic status of mathematicians, suggesting that many are underappreciated financially.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of social connections in a mathematician's success and recognition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether the Abel Prize should focus on older, established mathematicians or younger, emerging talents. There is no consensus on the criteria for selection or the implications of the prize money.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the historical context of previous Abel Prize winners and the potential influence of social connections on a mathematician's recognition and income.

MathematicalPhysicist
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who do you think are respectable candidates for this year?
 
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Since the Abel prize is relatively new, and the committe behind it wishes to establish a high, sought-after reputation, I expect that the trend from the last awards will continue:

Find a hoary, old mathematician whose achievements are indisputable and who is deserving of a few extra millions.
 
well, i believe that the poor are in need for the extra millions and not some old mathematical geezer.
but that's my opinion, although be it radical.
 
loop quantum gravity said:
well, i believe that the poor are in need for the extra millions and not some old mathematical geezer.
but that's my opinion, although be it radical.
:smile:

I (almost) agree with you..
 
I think they should look at the young guns.
 
JasonRox said:
I think they should look at the young guns.
Why should the Abel Prize try to compete with the Fields medal?

There's more than enough room for two prizes in math targeting slightly different groups.
 
loop quantum gravity said:
well, i believe that the poor are in need for the extra millions and not some old mathematical geezer.
but that's my opinion, although be it radical.
*sigh* mathematicians are poor too! They deserve to have a lot more than they do.o:)
 
JasonRox said:
I think they should look at the young guns.

One is dedicated to young(ish) researchers who produce a 'few' results of exceptional quality, ie they answer something big.

The Abel prize rewards those who have influenced the field of mathematics through a career of distinguished research. JP Serre and Atiyah/Singer got the first two I seem to recall.

It seems quite reasonable to make this distinction.
 
matt, you can look at mathdaily.com, in order to relook of abel lauretees (i think this is how you write (-: ).

and lisa, it depends, if the mathematician has good social connections with fellow mathematicians then he will get a steady (upper class) income, but if his social skills are poor then so his success. (look at history and see what i mean, or otherwise search at mactutor for a biography for some poor mathematician).

anyway, you need to pick correctly who are your mates & foes.
 

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