StarTalk Radio Our Mathematical Universe with Grant Sanderson (3Blue1Brown)
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Sep 24, 2024 
In this engaging conversation, Grant Sanderson, the creator of the popular YouTube channel 3Blue1Brown, delves into the essence of mathematics. He explores the philosophical debate of whether math is discovered or invented, while highlighting its role as the universal language. The discussion features intriguing concepts like the Mandelbrot set and the application of information theory in everyday activities such as gaming. Sanderson's passion transforms math into an accessible and appealing subject, emphasizing joy and creativity in education.
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What is Math?
- Math is defined by its precision and lack of doubt, unlike other fields with experimental errors.
- However, this definition doesn't fully explain math's ability to describe the real world.
Aliens and Prime Numbers
- In the movie Contact, aliens communicate using prime numbers.
- This illustrates the idea of math as a universal language.
Invented or Discovered?
- The Pythagorean theorem can be seen as both discovered and invented.
- While observable in the world, its truth is also baked into mathematical definitions of space.