Who was the best father son math team?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of which father-son duo in mathematics could be considered the best. Participants explore various historical figures and their contributions, touching on the nature of collaboration in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention Gauss and his father, although there is uncertainty about the father's mathematical background.
  • One participant questions the inclusion of Gauss, noting that his father was a bricklayer and not a mathematician.
  • Another participant suggests the Bernoulli family as a potential candidate for the best father-son math team.
  • A participant shares a reference to the DeMaines, highlighting their contributions to mathematics and origami.
  • There is a suggestion that the question might be a trick, as mathematics is not typically viewed as a team sport.
  • Some participants express that the Gauss story is well-known and classic, while others refer to more modern examples like the DeMaines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best father-son math team, with multiple competing views and examples presented.

Contextual Notes

There are references to historical figures and modern examples, but the discussion lacks definitive criteria for evaluating the "best" team, leaving the question open to interpretation.

johnqwertyful
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Gauss and his father.
 
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Wouldn't the Bernoullis be there somewhere?
 
I couldn't find a reference to support the OP's post.

For Gauss, his father was a bricklayer not a mathematician:

http://www.math.wichita.edu/history/men/gauss.html
 
This was a joke making the rounds at Harvard around 1975... As the story was told, some poor fool of a grad student tried it in front of Garrett Birkhoff.
 
I figured it was but wanted the OP to elaborate what he/she was thinking.
 
I think it's a trick question. Math isn't a team sport.
 

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