View source for Look at that figure

"Look at that figure" is a short essay by [[Simon Colton]] on [[mathematics and art]].

== About HR ==

HR is a computer program for discovering "interestingness":

<blockquote>
In the mathematical reasoning group at Edinburgh University, we are looking at why some pure mathematics results are more interesting than others. Understanding "interestingness" is a key factor in our project to build mathematical theories by computer. Our program, called [[HR (program)|HR]] after the number theory pioneers [[Godfrey Hardy]] and [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]], starts with simple concepts such as [[addition]] and [[subtraction]], then invents new concepts, finds examples and suggests and proves theorems.

... [[HR (program)|HR]] provides some general indicators of interestingness, but the user must decide which are important for the task in hand. Too few examples usually make a concept dull, though this is no guarantee.
</blockquote>

== Conway on mathematics ==

<blockquote>The mathematician [[John Conway]], on being asked what makes a good theory, said: "It must be outrageous." It is true that when two concepts that should have nothing in common appear to be related, this relationship can generate massive interest.
</blockquote>

== See also ==

* [[Algorithmic art]]
* [[Graffiti (program)]]
* [[Mathematics and art]]

== External links ==

* [https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/look-at-that-figure/156777.article?storycode=156777 Look at that figure] @ timeshighereducation

[[Category:Arts]]
[[Category:Mathematics]]