Ansatz?
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg101045] Ansatz?
- From: AES <siegman at stanford.edu>
- Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:23:03 -0400 (EDT)
- Organization: Stanford University
Wolfram MathWorld says: An ansatz is an assumed form for a mathematical statement that is not based on any underlying theory or principle. SEE ALSO: Conjecture, Hypothesis, Principle, Proposition Somewhere I've picked up the idea that "ansatz" can also be used to indicate the "form" or the "approach" -- more specifically, something like the choice of coordinates and variables and equations -- the "geometry and notation" so to speak -- in which one sets up a problem or a calculation. The "underlying theory or principles" in my interpretation can be perfectly clear, and no "Conjectures" or "Hypotheses" need be involved. One is simply setting up the calculation using this ansatz, in order to calculate certain consequences or numerical results (a calculation which one, of course, carries out using Mathematica). Is my interpretation of this term off the mark? (Wikipedia's explanation of the term seems to me considerably closer to my understanding than to Wolfram's definition.)
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