Choosing Diagrams for the Book of Beautiful Mathematical Diagrams
Year: 2002 Authors: Samuel S. Kutler
Core claim
The beauty of these mathematical diagrams lies in the combination of the diagram itself and the accompanying explanation.
Topics
mathematical diagrams, aesthetic criteria, diagram selection
Domains
geometry, visual mathematics, mathematical notation, information design, visual aesthetics, diagrammatic art
Methods
criteria-based selection, slide presentation, explanatory commentary
Media
Paper text
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BRIDGES Mathematical Connections in Art, Music, and Science
Choosing Diagrams for the Book of Beautiful Mathematical Diagrams
Samuel S. Kutler E-mail: reltuk@comcast.net
First, the nature of the Book of Beautiful Mathematical Diagrams is explained. Then, the criteria for choosing these diagrams will be discussed, with examples on slides for each diagram mentioned.
Some of the criteria are simplicity, surprise, implications, revelations, harmonious relations, clarity, and even, in some cases, claims are made about why some of them were not discovered until the 20th century, in spite of their simplicity.
While these diagrams immediately capture the eye of the observer, their beauty usually lies not in the diagram alone, nor in the logos about the diagram, but in the combination of the two.
After the diagrams are displayed and explained, there will be further remarks on the criteria for choosing them.