[AmishDude]

Because something is easier it isn't good research, or isn't correct?

It can be correct, but it's easy. It makes the researcher nothing but a cog.

BTW, proving something when you know all the premises are true isn't very hard.

Then you do it. a^n+b^n=c^n has no natural number solutions when n>2. Go for it.

That's why it's done so well with computers that don't have to think.

That's pretty good. Suffice it to say, no, computers do not write proofs.

How does this argue against the fact that math is only useful when it is applied properly to the real world?

Like the mathematician to the scientist, I shall spell it out for you in terms you can understand: The original question, solved in the 60s, was one of pure math. The theory of partially ordered sets. The theorem gained attention mostly because of its elegant solution. It turns out to be wildly applicable -- after the fact.

Mathematicians live in the real world too. What we consider to be valuable does not differ much from what is actually practical, but we're free from having to solve the problem that's right in front of our faces, instead developing a solution that is practical, but only after the computing power developed later on. Again, from mathematics.

There's a great story in my abstract algebra book that, essentially says that one of the physics Nobel prizes in the 30s was awarded because these supergeniuses figured out -- wait for it -- matrices don't necessarily commute. That's it. An idea that'd been taught to undergraduates for decades and they got a Nobel prize for it.

It's just as hard, or harder, than proving a mathematical theorem.

So is carpeting my basement. It is. I wouldn't want to carpet my basement. But that's low-level thinking.

You have to actually know something outside of math.

There is nothing outside of math. It expands and grows with knowledge. It isn't some obscure branch of engineering with limitations.

If all you know is mathematical theorems, you will NEVER figure out the biochemical pathway.

How's that cure for psoriasis coming, there, chief? Yeah, I thought so.

How did science rule in the Iraq of the 90's? What a nutty statement.

*eye roll* Biologists. The rule of Science is much like the rule of Saddam Hussein.

Would you like me to explain knock knock jokes while I'm at it? And people wonder why mathematicians tend to go insane.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"There is nothing outside of math."

So says the mathematician sitting in his room, ruling over Abstraction Land.

"How's that cure for psoriasis coming, there, chief? Yeah, I thought so."

You cure it. Just using mathematical theorems. Ok, chief? If science is so easy, why don't all you smart mathematicians solve the world's science problems. Oh, that's right, you can't. Not without a scientist to hold your hand and lead you through the problem.

"*eye roll* Biologists. The rule of Science is much like the rule of Saddam Hussein."

Now I KNOW you are nutty.

BTW, my training is in history (history of biology), which is one reason I can't do the proof you provided in your post. It's way outside my field. You are a mathematician, which is why you can't figure out biochemical pathways. Or speak intelligently about evolutionary theory and history. Both require more knowledge than you will get out of a calculus text. Knowledge you don't have.

"Would you like me to explain knock knock jokes while I'm at it?"

Using mathematical formulas? Go right ahead. Knock yourself out. :)

"And people wonder why mathematicians tend to go insane."

Tend to? :)

[Coyoteman]

The rule of Science is much like the rule of Saddam Hussein.

One of the more ignorant statements I have seen here lately.

(And no, I will not attempt to explain why. If you do not see it already, nothing I could say would help.)

[RightWingNilla]

It can be correct, but it's easy. It makes the researcher nothing but a cog. So is carpeting my basement. It is. I wouldn't want to carpet my basement. But that's low-level thinking. The rule of Science is much like the rule of Saddam Hussein.

Man you are one bitter guy! Why are you so jealous of medical doctors and scientists? Your inferiority complex is hanging around your neck like a neon sign.

So what if you don't get any respect from the world? I am sure your wife and kids love you.

[grey_whiskers]

Then you do it. a^n+b^n=c^n has no natural number solutions when n>2. Go for it.

I have a really nifty proof, but I left it on another thread ... ;-)

Would you like me to explain knock knock jokes while I'm at it? And people wonder why mathematicians tend to go insane.

This knock-knock joke explains a LOT of threads... Makes more sense if you say it aloud.

Q. Knock-knock!

A. Who's there?

Q. Impatient troll.

A. Impatient tr--

Q. (interrupting) You're a Nazi!

Cheers!

[donh]

That's pretty good. Suffice it to say, no, computers do not write proofs.

That hasn't been true for at least 30 years. Do you claim the current proof of the 4 color theorem was, in substantial part, not written by a computer?