Mathematicians just solved a 125-year-old problem, uniting 3 theories in physics

81 points 8 comments 8 hours ago
jug

There’s a Reddit thread that provides useful context to this, what it is and the scope: https://www.reddit.com/r/math/s/OD0Jy9Rdns

paulpauper

It's interesting how so many important papers are always on arxiv first. it makes me wonder what purpose peer reviews serves. I think also, this is to help establish priority over the result. So getting it up on arxiv is like a timestamp to avoid someone else deriving it at the same time and getting credit by having it published first.

pepinator

Peer review is important for checking the correctness of the results, among other things. It's not uncommon to find big errors; small mistakes are everywhere.

trod1234

Its easier to tear down than build up. Resilient structures are tested structures and last the longest.

lokimedes

The purpose of the (pre-print) arChive is to allow for a wider circulation during review. That many today simply leave their stuff on Arxiv without publishing is arguably a bit of “cargoculting”, as it signals legitimacy without any quality control.

SpaceManNabs

The article does a wonderful job in providing context for the proof.

I really enjoyed the clear descriptions of the three scales.

Made by @calebRussel