Marcus du Sautoy

Marcus du Sautoy, an award-winning mathematician and Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, delves into the fascinating world of games and their mathematical underpinnings. He explains the best strategies for games like Connect 4 and Monopoly, linking them to mathematical concepts. Du Sautoy shares insights into the cultural history of games and their role in society, along with a philosophical exploration of play’s purpose. From ancient origins to the evolution of games, he reveals how mathematics enriches our gaming experiences.

Marcus du Sautoy, a mathematician from Oxford and author of Thinking Better, dives into the intriguing concept of shortcuts. He begins with a fascinating tale of the young genius Carl Friedrich Gauss, showcasing how shortcuts can revolutionize problem-solving. Du Sautoy discusses both the benefits and risks of shortcuts in various fields, including politics and decision-making. He argues that a mathematical mindset can empower individuals to navigate complexities efficiently, offering a fresh perspective on everyday challenges.

Marcus du Sautoy, a Professor of Mathematics at Oxford, dives into the strategic depths of classic games like Connect 4 and Monopoly. He reveals mathematical tactics to elevate your game, explaining how pi can influence Rock Paper Scissors outcomes. The discussion also covers the evolution of gameplay from board games to digital realms, emphasizing the resurgence of physical games in a tech-driven world. With anecdotes on holiday gaming and the unexpected joys of Dungeons and Dragons, du Sautoy showcases how games shape society while honing our competitive instincts.

Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy shares tips for winning at Monopoly, while games designer Dave Neale explains how games develop theory of mind. Comedian Jess Fostekew admits to becoming a ruthless gamer. Discussion on board game dynamics, strategies, historical origins, and emotional experiences during gameplay.

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.

In a programme first broadcast in 2017, Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Gauss (1777-1855), widely viewed as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. He was a child prodigy, correcting his father's accounts before he was 3, dumbfounding his teachers with the speed of his mental arithmetic, and gaining a wealthy patron who supported his education. He wrote on number theory when he was 21, with his Disquisitiones Arithmeticae, which has influenced developments since. Among his achievements, he was the first to work out how to make a 17-sided polygon, he predicted the orbit of the minor planet Ceres, rediscovering it, he found a way of sending signals along a wire, using electromagnetism, the first electromagnetic telegraph, and he advanced the understanding of parallel lines on curved surfaces. With Marcus du Sautoy Professor of Mathematics and Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of OxfordColva Roney-Dougal Reader in Pure Mathematics at the University of St AndrewsAnd Nick Evans Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of SouthamptonProducer: Simon Tillotson.

Explore the timeless impact of Euclid's Elements in revolutionizing mathematics with logical arguments and axioms. Delve into the controversial fifth postulate and its implications on geometry. Uncover the classification theorem for Platonic solids and the absence of algebra in Euclid's work. See how Euclid's legacy continues to inspire scholars and mathematicians, shaping the foundation of mathematical principles.

Renowned mathematician Marcus du Sautoy discusses the connection between mathematics and games, sharing his passion for discovering games from different cultures. He explores the interconnection of mathematics with other subjects and the role of creativity within constraints. The podcast also explores the bridge between science and art through mathematics and the complexity of subconscious processes and AI.

Join Marcus du Sautoy, Timothy Gowers, and Colva Roney-Dougal as they delve into the genius of Pierre-Simon Laplace, who revolutionized mathematics and science during and after the French Revolution. They explore his groundbreaking contributions to probability, the stability of the solar system, and his provocative idea of determinism, suggesting that complete knowledge of the universe could predict all future events. The discussion also covers Laplace's role in developing the metric system and the philosophical implications of his work, including his stance on free will.

Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy uncovers the maths in Mozart's The Magic Flute. Discussion includes the surprising connection between birds and window collisions, a student's discovery of an error in an influential economic paper, and the numerical and geometric symbolism in Mozart's final opera.