| Contributed by
John C. Konrath
I'm writing to bring your attention to a television episode for
possible addition to your mathematical fiction website. The television
show is "Family Ties" and the episode is entitled, "My Tutor". In this
episode, Alex P. Keaton hires a mathematical prodigy to tutor him in
non-Euclidean geometry. I submit it on the grounds that it's
interesting to see the portrayal of the characteristically socially
inept young mathematician. This episode can be viewed free of charge
here.
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Thank you, Mr. Konrath, for the suggestion. This certainly deserves to be included in the Mathematical Fiction database. I'd just like to add a few more points:
- People may be interested to know that the prodigy is played by River Phoenix.
- I dislike the suggestion that one must think irrationally to appreciate non-Euclidean geometry. Like any other area of mathematics, this subject is based on logic. The unusual definitions may be counter-intuitive, but are entirely sensible.
- A party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of someone's tenure? Ha! That's the funniest thing in the show.
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