Names: A Problem beyond Math
September 7, 2020
I read “Why Mathematicians Should Stop Naming Things After Each Other.” The main point is that naming conventions in mathematics make it difficult to know to what something refers. There are numerous examples; for example:
A Calabi-Yau manifold is a compact, complex Kähler manifold with a trivial first Chern class.
A possible explanation? Consider:
The memory-intensive naming schemes in modern math may have the result of boxing out the laymen, but we must hope the priests of the academy are not doing it on purpose.
My view is that making names tough to parse adds some magic and special sauce to what might otherwise be a “so what?” insight. On the other hand, weird naming prevents meaningful connections to be perceived. What if a Hopf fibration is related to giant waves in the universe? Making the connection is tough with today’s naming policies.
My personal view is that many experts are nervous about the validity and value of their research or insights. Hiding behind language and naming conventions deflects criticism.
The same approach fuels the use of jargon and techno-babble. Search is not find. Search is discovery. Yeah, right.
Stephen E Arnold, September 7, 2020
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