Role modeling in mathematics: The case of Leonard Eugene Dickson (1874-1954) (Q1362792)

On an abstract level, the paper can be described by its summary: ``The processes of mentoring and role modeling -- what they are, how they are done, how effective they are -- represent a key component in the maintenance and sustenance of academic disciplines. In particular, the members of the early American mathematical community passed on the intangibles of their trade through self-conscious role modeling and, at times, mentoring. The education and career of one of the most eminent participants in this group, Leonard Eugene Dickson (1874-1954), provides a case study for the analysis of this aspect of learning.'' More concrete, the paper describes Dickson's mathematical roots at the university of Texas, his doctoral training under the `strong Moore-Bolza-Maschke triumvirate at Chicago', and his mathematical legacy (training of 67 Chicago Ph.D. students in mathematics, including 18 women). Dickson is characterized as a `role model', in contrast to his student Adrian A. Albert, who is styled as a `role model and a mentor'. There are 82 bibliographical references.