pálya

George Pólya (Hungarian: György Pólya; 1887–1985) was a Hungarian-born mathematician and educator whose work spanned analysis, probability, and combinatorics. He is widely regarded for shaping mathematical problem solving and for foundational contributions to counting and probabilistic processes.

Pólya is best known for his pedagogical approach to mathematics. How to Solve It (1945) presents practical heuristics for solving problems, such as understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and reviewing the solution. The book has had a lasting influence on mathematics education and classroom teaching.

In combinatorics, Pólya co-developed the Polya enumeration theorem, also known as Polya counting, which provides a method to count distinct configurations under symmetry. This approach, often applied with R. C. Read, is widely used in chemistry and combinatorial enumeration. In probability, the Polya urn model describes a reinforcement process and is another concept bearing his name.

Among his other notable works is Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning: Induction and Analogy in Mathematics (1954), which explores how mathematicians use induction and analogy to develop ideas and justify reasoning.

Life and career spanned both Europe and the United States. Born in Budapest and educated at institutions such as Eötvös Loránd University, Pólya emigrated to the United States during World War II and spent his later years in the United States, passing away in Palo Alto, California, in 1985. His legacy lies in bridging rigorous mathematical theory with accessible problem-solving methods, influencing generations of educators and researchers.