FOM: scientific wrongdoing

[Jim Humphreys]

On Thursday, Feb 11 1999 Steve Simpson wrote:

>  As an example, take my own case.  Many people view me as a tireless
>  and shameless self-promotor, striving to make everyone aware of the
>  wonder and beauty of reverse mathematics.  Yet, I have supervised a
>  lot of Ph.D. students <http://www.math.psu.edu/simpson/phds.html>,
>  especially in reverse mathematics, and I think it's fair to say that
>  I'm always happy to give them credit when they earn it.
>
>  [ I now ask my former Ph.D. students here on the FOM list to chime in
>  and confirm what I just said! :-) ]

As one of Steve's former Ph.D. students, I am all too happy to confirm that
Steve is exemplary in giving credit to his students, and, indeed, to those
who are not his students. In fact, I would go further and say that I cannot
think of a single aspect as an academic advisor in which he falls short; I
consider myself very fortunate to have studied under him.

On the other hand, I've never heard anyone describe him as a `tireless and
shameful self-promoter', nor do I see how `striving to make everyone aware
of the wonder and beauty of reverse mathematics' counts as self-promotion.
So I'm afraid I can only confirm part of his statement above.

Jim Humphreys
(who is also puzzled as to what's so incredible about academics expressing
political views)

jimbo at math.psu.edu
``Now, I'm no mathematician. . . .'' --- Laurie Anderson