I think entire research subfields can go through a similar process. Plenty of mathematics was done before mathematical rigor really existed. Then axiomatization became more and more important. The intuition never went away, but I have heard of 'Nicholas Bourbaki' (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Bourbaki), the movement to right mathematics in purely formal language while eschewing intuitive language. And then more recently I read a prominent mathematician describing this phases having been a bit of a mistake. But maybe it was just a necessary part of the fields transition.
I've definitely gone through a parallel transition in physics, but replacing 'rigor' with 'calculation' and 'intuition' for 'physical intuition/simple pictures.' In physics there is the additional aspect that problems directly relate to the physical world, and one can lose and then regain touch with this. I wonder what other fields have an analogous progression.
I wonder what other fields have an analogous progression.
"Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters."
Comments
I think entire research subfields can go through a similar process. Plenty of mathematics was done before mathematical rigor really existed. Then axiomatization became more and more important. The intuition never went away, but I have heard of 'Nicholas Bourbaki' (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Bourbaki), the movement to right mathematics in purely formal language while eschewing intuitive language. And then more recently I read a prominent mathematician describing this phases having been a bit of a mistake. But maybe it was just a necessary part of the fields transition.
I've definitely gone through a parallel transition in physics, but replacing 'rigor' with 'calculation' and 'intuition' for 'physical intuition/simple pictures.' In physics there is the additional aspect that problems directly relate to the physical world, and one can lose and then regain touch with this. I wonder what other fields have an analogous progression.
"Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters."