How do beauty, creativity, and intuition relate to the mathematical enterprise?
Beauty, creativity, and intuition/inspiration are sometimes viewed as falling exclusively within the realm of the arts — music, theater, visual arts, literature. Consider the degree to which mathematics can be viewed as an artistic endeavor. Possible approaches: (It is not wise to mix approaches.) 1. First consider the essential characteristics. Then discuss how aspects of beauty relate to the mathematical questions, results, and arguments. Can portions of mathematics ever be called beautiful or ugly? Or are such terms really irrelevant to mathematics? Support your thesis with examples and arguments. (Please! No bromides about “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”) 2. What role does creativity play in solving mathematical problems or in answering mathematical questions? Is this the same as what is intended when speaking of creativity in the humanities? This could be approached from a personal point of view or from a historical perspective. Support your claims with carefully explain
