Erdös: The Man Who Loved Only Numbers
Assignments for Class #1
• In the text, read pages 1 through 23.
• Watch the following videos
Erdös introduces himself
Very brief introduction to Erdös, from a series of videos about mathematicians
The following video is quite slow, but depicts how Erdös might have worked with another mathematician during a visit to the mathematician's home.
[Music: Pavane, Opus 50, by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)]
To Think About Before Class
• What did you find interesting or unusual about Erdos and his life in your reading so far?
• Can you think of anyone you know personally or professionally who is like him in any way?
• What is it like to "do mathematics?" (or do art, or do science?)
• What does it mean to say that something is true in mathematics? How does that compare to truth in physics? Truth in law? Or even in art? What is the standard of truth in your own field of work? In other words, what does it mean, in your profession, to say that something is true?
Your Questions and Comments
While these assignments are fresh in your mind, think about questions they have raised for you, and about topics or passages that you would like to understand better. Use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your questions and suggestions. The same form is on every page at the course website, and it doesn't matter on which page you submit -- all your contributions will be seen by both of us.
Your contributions help us to plan our classes, and to tune them to the nature and level of your interests. The earlier you submit them, the more likely they will have their impact on our planning. In order to affect our approach in the coming Wednesday's class, your contributions should reach us by the end of the day Tuesday. But whenever we receive them, your contributions will inform and guide us in the remainder of the course.
Other Resources
• Click to read: What is Number Theory?
You might be interested in reading some or all of the first chapter of this college textbook for beginners in number theory. The author is Joseph H. Silverman of Brown University.
• In response to a student question about whether Steve or Gale have an Erdös Number, try this:
Collaboration-Distance Calculator
• A short interview with Paul Hoffman, author of The Man Who Loved Only Numbers.
