Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the need for China’s mathematics discipline to transition from a "follower" to a leading position in originality, emphasizing the importance of institutional adjustments and cultural changes in academic attitudes [1]. Group 1: Current State of Mathematics in China - China's mathematics has made significant progress but remains largely in a "follower" position, primarily developing in fields pioneered by others rather than creating original contributions [1]. - The underlying cultural and institutional factors contribute to this status, necessitating improvements in evaluation systems, academic independence, and emotional investment in scholarship [1]. Group 2: The Beauty of Mathematics - The beauty of mathematics is categorized into two types: aesthetic beauty in forms and logical beauty in abstract thinking and proofs, exemplified by classic proofs such as the infinitude of primes and the irrationality of the square root of 2 [2]. - The richness of mathematical objects and the depth of thought are highlighted through the work of Riemann on prime distribution, showcasing the profound nature of mathematics [2]. Group 3: Role of Educators and Academic Environment - The role of teachers is crucial in helping students appreciate the beauty of mathematics; reducing utilitarian pressures can enhance students' engagement with the structural and proof-based beauty of mathematics [3]. - Encouraging academic independence and a genuine pursuit of knowledge, rather than blind worship of top journals, is essential for fostering originality in research [3][4]. - A more tolerant academic ecosystem that allows for failure and long-term exploration is necessary, as true originality often faces misunderstanding or challenges in existing review mechanisms [4]. Group 4: Long-term Perspective in Research - A long-term perspective and independent spirit in research are vital, with scholars encouraged to find joy in the pursuit of knowledge rather than in the chase for accolades [4]. - Historical contributions of mathematicians who did not receive awards should remind young scholars to focus on the lasting value of their work rather than short-term recognition [4].
席南华院士:减少对顶级期刊的盲目崇拜
Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-11-04 06:35