A. Jaffe and F. Quinn, ""Theoretical mathematics": Toward a cultural synthesis of mathematics and theoretical physics"

"Is speculative mathematics dangerous? Recent interactions between physics and mathematics pose the question with some force: traditional mathematical norms discourage speculation, but it is the fabric of theoretical physics. In practice there can be benefits, but there can also be unpleasant and destructive consequences. Serious caution is required, and the issue should be considered before, rather than after, obvious damage occurs. With the hazards carefully in mind, we propose a framework that should allow a healthy and positive role for speculation."

Responses to ""Theoretical mathematics": Toward a cultural synthesis of mathematics and theoretical physics" by A. Jaffe and F. Quinn. A selection of letters from M. Atiyah, S. MacLane, B. Mandelbrot, E. Witten, C. Zeeman, etc. 

A. Jaffe and F. Quinn, "Responses to comments on "Theoretical mathematics"