NOVA's The Proof
To help you identify the main mathematicians in the video:
Andrew Wiles: Appears first;
John Conway: Escher shirt;
Peter Sarnak: Maroon polo with grey collar and later a green polo;
Nick Katz: Mustache, light blue button down / helped review the proof;
Ken Ribet: Peach sweater with blue collar / cafe / Epsilon conjecture;
John Coates: Suit jacket and tie / Wiles' adviser;
Barry Mazur: Patterned dark button down;
Goro Shimura: White button down / Taniyama-Shimura
What are the analogies or metaphors (including verbal
descriptions and visual images) that people in the video present to describe the process of doing mathematics and/or mathematical research? List them all.
How do people in the video describe what a proof is?
What practices do mathematicians employ in order to encourage the
flashes of insight they need for success?
Some people view mathematics as a solitary profession. What
community and social aspects are portrayed?
Global Perspectives: What countries from outside the US
play a part?
What are the controversies in the video?
What Kind of Mathematician or Scientist are You?
Think about the above questions as they relate to yourself.
Prepare to share an answer to one of them:
What practices do you employ in order to encourage the flashes of insight
that you need for school?
Do you prefer to collaborate or instead mostly work by yourself?
How would you describe the process of doing mathematics or science to
someone else?