Into the Impossible With Brian Keating Category Theory: Exploring Mathematics’ Deepest Truths With Eugenia Cheng (#362)
Oct 30, 2023
Eugenia Cheng, renowned mathematician, educator, author, and concert pianist, discusses the profound truths of math, its connection to baking, and its presence in the physical sciences. They explore the concept of zero, the capabilities of the human brain compared to AI, and the importance of revitalizing education.
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Math's Abstract Reality
- Mathematics is an abstract but real concept that helps us understand the world beyond physical touch.
- Concepts like infinity or triangles exist as ideas, revealing math's reality transcends physical form.
Zero's Paradoxical Nature
- Zero represents nothing but is everywhere in our environment, causing confusion and fascination.
- Accepting zero as a number was contentious, yet it's crucial for numerical systems and understanding absence.
Brain's Unique Creativity Power
- The human brain is a physically changing computer, giving us learning plasticity unlike standard machines.
- Creativity and idea formation involve subconscious connections that are far beyond current AI comprehension.