Conduct and Correctness in Mathematical Publishing

TL;DR

This paper expresses concern about the decline of accountability in mathematical publishing, highlighting a culture where correctness is undervalued and critics are marginalized.

Contribution

It critically examines the current state of mathematical publishing, emphasizing the need for greater responsibility and integrity in the dissemination of mathematical results.

Findings

Growing disregard for correctness in publications

Marginalization of critics undermines scientific integrity

Call for cultural change in mathematical publishing

Abstract

"We risk sliding down toward the standards where the validity of action is decided by whether one can get away with it." (P. Doty) "We do not 'risk' sliding down toward such standards; we have reached them." (S. Lang) This is an essay in which I try to express my fear about the establishment of a culture of publishing, where no one is willing to take responsibility for the correctness of mathematics, and readers finding mistakes in published proofs are stamped as outcasts, because they are deemed to target the reputation of authors and journals.