Urs Schreiber

Urs Schreiber, a researcher at NYU Abu Dhabi renowned for his work in category theory, joins the discussion to explore the fascinating intersection of mathematics and physics. He breaks down how higher category theory can help us derive 'something' from 'nothing', specifically connecting it to fermions and 11D supergravity. The conversation also highlights the philosophical implications of mathematical frameworks and the evolution of collaborative platforms like nLab, which foster deeper discussions in theoretical physics.

Urs Schreiber, a theoretical physicist and mathematician at NYU Abu Dhabi, delves into the intriguing realms of category theory and topos theory. He explores the philosophical question of whether something can emerge from nothing, linking it to Hegel's logic. Urs simplifies category theory concepts like functors and adjunctions while addressing the applicability of higher topos theory to theoretical physics. He shares insights on the limitations of perturbation theory, his motivations for founding nLab, and his vision for a more interconnected understanding of math and physics.