Re: JSH: Math society against amateurs

From: Jesse F. Hughes (jesse_at_phiwumbda.org)
Date: 01/18/05 

Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 14:33:32 +0100

jstevh@msn.com writes:

> My latest research is on factoring integers.
>
> But if you do much of an Internet search you will be told that I am a
> math crank claiming to have proven Fermat's Last Theorem.
>
> Also, consider that as of now I have a paper, and a really basic Java
> program implementing my factoring research showing that it DOES factor,
> though at this point my program doesn't factor everything, and I don't
> know exactly why.
>
> Basic research is needed.
>
> Now what do you think the reaction of math society will be?
>
> My guess is, quiet.

What do you think the reaction *should* be? Do you suppose that
"real" mathematicians should react by dropping their current work in
favor of investigating your not-quite-working Java program and
accompanying paper?

I am really not sure what you think the appropriate response should be
here. Is your paper so promising that people that work on factoring
should be aware of the result?

> They claim that all the mathematics reachable by an amateur has been
> found and that only the professionals can now make major results.

They claim that? Where? Who?

> Time will tell here with this research as factoring IS a major area.

I bet you're right on this point. So why is waiting to see what
happens a sign of passive-aggressive politics?

Suppose that nothing comes from your research[1]. Suppose that, say, ten
years from now, this paper and program of yours have produced no
breakthroughs at all. Would that explain the current subdued reaction
to your work? How would you interpret the current reticence then? A
subversive ploy to silence you or an understandable lack of interest
in an unremarkable attempt at factoring large numbers?

Footnotes:
[1] Crazy, I know, but try to suppose it anyway. 

-- 
"After years of arguing I realize that your intellects are too limited
to fully grasp my work.  [...] Still, no matter how child-like your  
minds are, [...] since you have language, [...] there's a chance that 
I'll be able to find something that your minds can handle." --JSH