MATHEMATICS
CHAOS AND CALCULUSSYLLABUS
MATHEMATICS
CHAOS AND CALCULUSSYLLABUS| Essay on Proof | |
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Write a paper dealing with the play Proof. Your essay should again be 1200-1500 words, and will be due on Tuesday October 22nd at 1 p.m.. This assignment is to be done individually. The ideas should be original, although you may discuss the ideas of your paper with others. Choose one of the following topics
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| Discuss the different approaches and relationships of the characters
Hal, Robert and Catherine in the play to mathematics and to solving mathematical problems.
To what extent
can these differences in style be explained by the characters’
career position and level of mathematical experience?
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Contrast the character Robert in the play Proof with the
character of John Nash in "A Beautiful Mind" (on reserve in the
library). Do you agree with Tom Stoppard that a brilliant mathematician would
not necessarily stand out in a crowd as being unusual? (You may bring in examples
of well-known mathematicians to support your point of view.) Note: If you choose
this topic, please specify if you are comparing the John Nash character from the
book or the John Nash character from the movie.
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| Compare Catherine in "Proof" with Thomasina in
"Arcadia". Discuss similarities and differences in their
respective education, mentors, and mathematics.
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| Compare Catherine in "Proof" with the real life
figure of Sophie Germain. Discuss similarities and differences in their
respective education, mentors, and mathematics.
On Reserve: "Women in mathematics" by Lynn M.
Osen |
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