Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Math as a perspective on life (with Marcus du Sautoy)

May 11, 2022

In this episode, guest Marcus du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, shares his insights on the power of mathematics in everyday life. He discusses whether math is discovered or invented and the impact of math on decision-making. Du Sautoy emphasizes the importance of storytelling in math education, advocating for a narrative-driven approach to ignite curiosity. He also explores the relationship between math and AI, highlighting how advanced technology can enhance our mathematical creativity and problem-solving.

01:19:58

Creator website

Episode guests

Marcus du Sautoy

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Improving Thinking with Tools from Mathematics

01:07

The Use of Math in Real World and Abstract Thinking

01:19

The Human Element in Mathematical Discoveries

01:31

Intro

3min

Mastering Derivatives and Creative Problem Solving

6min

Reframing Complexity Through Mathematics

23min

Exploring the Infinite Nature of Mathematics and Human Comprehension

3min

Mathematics and AI: Bridging Creativity and Daily Life

19min

The Power of History in Understanding Mathematics

3min

The Dual Nature of Mathematics

18min

Exploring Unresolved Mathematical Questions and Knowledge Organization Techniques

3min

Read the full transcript here.

How can we have System-2-type reflection but with System-1-type speed? How can math be considered to be a "fast" way of solving problems? Is math discovered or invented? How can we use math to think better in everyday life? How can math education be improved? Do mathematicians have a snobbish preference for "pure" maths over applied maths? How can math be used to tell stories?

Marcus du Sautoy is the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He is author of seven books including his most recent book, Thinking Better: the Art of the Shortcut. He has also published a play, I is a Strange Loop, which was performed at the Barbican in London in which he was also lead actor. He has presented numerous radio and TV series including a four-part landmark TV series for the BBC called The Story of Maths. He works extensively with a range of arts organisations bringing science alive for the public from The Royal Opera House to the Glastonbury Festival. He received an OBE for services to science in the 2010 New Year's Honours List and was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2016. Follow him on Twitter at @MarcusduSautoy or find out more about him at www.simonyi.ox.ac.uk.

Staff