Re: Ansatz?
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg101067] Re: [mg101045] Ansatz?
- From: János Löbb <janos.lobb at yale.edu>
- Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:05:12 -0400 (EDT)
- References: <200906220823.EAA09284@smc.vnet.net>
On Jun 22, 2009, at 4:23 AM, AES wrote: > 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.) Although I forgot almost all German I ever learned, it still looks to me that "Ansatz" == "Beginning" :) So looks to me an "ansatz" is created when a mathematician, or any other human being, hits his/her stomach and belches out something formulated into words. J=E1nos=
- References:
- Ansatz?
- From: AES <siegman@stanford.edu>
- Ansatz?