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Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society

The Bulletin publishes expository articles on contemporary mathematical research, written in a way that gives insight to mathematicians who may not be experts in the particular topic. The Bulletin also publishes reviews of selected books in mathematics and short articles in the Mathematical Perspectives section, both by invitation only.

ISSN 1088-9485 (online) ISSN 0273-0979 (print)

The 2020 MCQ for Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society is 0.84.

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“Theoretical mathematics”: toward a cultural synthesis of mathematics and theoretical physics
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by Arthur Jaffe and Frank Quinn PDF
Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. 29 (1993), 1-13 Request permission

Abstract:

Is speculative mathematics dangerous? Recent interactions between physics and mathematics pose the question with some force: traditional mathematical norms discourage speculation, but it is the fabric of theoretical physics. In practice there can be benefits, but there can also be unpleasant and destructive consequences. Serious caution is required, and the issue should be considered before, rather than after, obvious damage occurs. With the hazards carefully in mind, we propose a framework that should allow a healthy and positive role for speculation.
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Additional Information
  • © Copyright 1993 American Mathematical Society
  • Journal: Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. 29 (1993), 1-13
  • MSC (2000): Primary 00A30; Secondary 00A35, 00A79, 01A60
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1090/S0273-0979-1993-00413-0
  • MathSciNet review: 1202292