Balancing the Unifying and Diversifying Impulses in Science

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The trend of unifying space and time, matter and energy in physics has been successful in revealing deep commonalities among seemingly different things. However, alongside the unifying impulse, there is a need for the diversifying impulse to recognize the abundance and diversity in the world. Both unification and diversification are vital in science, as solely focusing on diversity may hinder pattern recognition, while solely focusing on unity may limit the perception of richness. Therefore, a balanced approach that encompasses both unification and diversification is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Karim Ani dedicated his life to math. He studied it in school, got a degree in math education, even founded Citizen Math to teach it to kids in a whole new way. But, this whole time, his whole life, almost, he had this question nagging at him.

The question came in the form of a rule in math, NEVER divide by zero. But, why not?

Cornell mathematician, and friend of the show, Steve Strogatz, chimes in with the historical context, citing examples of previous provocateurs looking to break the rules of math. And he offers Karim a warning,

“In math we have creative freedom, we can do anything we want, as long as it’s logical.”Listen along as Karim’s thought exercise becomes an existential quest, taking us with him, as he delves deeper, and deeper, into Zeroworld.

EPISODE CREDITS: Reported by - Lulu MillerProduced by - Matthew Kieltywith help from - Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Alyssa Jeong PerryOriginal music and sound design contributed by - Matthew Kieltywith mixing help from - Arianne WackFact-checking by - Diane Kellyand Edited by - Pat Walters

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