Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal cover image

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Edward Frenkel: Infinity, String Theory, Death, The Self

Sep 20, 2023
Edward Frenkel, a mathematics professor at Berkeley and author of 'Love and Math,' shares insights into the mystical world of string theory and the Langlands Program. He explores profound themes like infinity, trauma, and the nature of death, connecting them to the personal journey of self-discovery. The conversation intertwines mathematics with spirituality, referencing the Bhagavad Gita, and reflects on how personal experiences shape scientific ambition. Frenkel also advocates for a fresh perspective on mathematical narratives, revealing the delicate balance between creativity and intellectual rigor.
03:20:43

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mathematics involves subjective preferences and practical concerns in choosing axioms.
  • Different axiomatic systems in mathematics produce diverse results.

Deep dives

The diverse axiomatic systems in mathematics

Mathematics is not based on one unassailable foundation, but rather different axiomatic systems compete with each other. Mathematicians choose the axioms based on their effectiveness and the fruitfulness of the system. The choice of axioms involves subjective preferences, aesthetic principles, and practical concerns. There is no one correct system, and mathematicians continually explore different systems to see which ones produce the most interesting and diverse mathematics.

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