Mathematics vs Physics

This shows fundamental importance of mathematical physics for pure mathematics.

This is all very well understood by the mathematicians, nobody argues about that.

However, there is an ongoing argument about how things should be organized practically.

There are two conflicting points of view:

1. Math physics should be done at the Mathematics Department

2. Math physics should be done at the Physics Department

(The first point of view is especially strong in UK, where math physics is considered “applied math”)

My opinion is the following:

• Theoretical physics is going multidisciplinary

• Mathematical physics should be developed primarily at the Physics Department, taking advantage of a multidisciplinary environment

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Students who want to do pure math, but do not want to go through the rigours of the Math Department, should be encouraged to apply to the Physics Department.

I will now comment on some of the possible dangers of this situation.