Is God a Mathematician? , Dr. Mario Livio

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Dr. Mario Livio's talk titled "Is God a Mathematician?" which is based on his book exploring the relationship between mathematics and the physical world, as well as the philosophical question of whether mathematics is invented or discovered. Participants express their interest in attending the talk and share their thoughts on the topics presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in Dr. Livio's talk and mention the intriguing nature of the question regarding whether mathematics is invented or discovered.
  • One participant notes that Amazon users rated Livio's book highly, suggesting it may be worth attending the talk.
  • Another participant references Livio's website, indicating a positive perception of his work.
  • Several participants express a willingness to attend the talk, with some suggesting they would engage in a discussion about the nature of mathematical discovery.
  • One participant humorously suggests that "God is PF admins," adding a light-hearted tone to the discussion.
  • Another participant mentions a scheduling conflict due to work obligations, reflecting on the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with attending the talk.
  • There is a suggestion that attending the talk could yield interesting ideas, regardless of its quality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express interest in attending the talk, but there are differing opinions on the value of the discussion and the nature of mathematics. The question of whether mathematics is invented or discovered remains a point of contention, with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their ability to attend the talk due to prior commitments, which may affect their engagement with the discussion topics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the philosophy of mathematics, the relationship between mathematics and the physical world, and those considering attending Dr. Livio's talk may find this discussion relevant.

Cyrus
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"Is God a Mathematician?", Dr. Mario Livio

Abstract: For centuries, mathematical theories have proven uncannily accurate at describing - and predicting -the physical world. What is it that gives mathematics such powers? I will thoroughly review this question in "Is God A Mathematician?" (a talk based on my recently published popular book). Along the way I will discuss another question with which mathematicians, philosophers, and neuroscientists have struggled for centuries: Is mathematics ultimately invented or discovered?


Anyone heard of this guy and his book? He's talking on campus this friday. I am on the fence about going.
 
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I haven't heard of the guy, but it sounds interesting. I'd go.

Amazon users gave his book 5 stars.
 
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Nature seems to think so too...
 


I would go. At worst, it sucks but you can always get up and leave. At best you may get some interesting ideas.
 


One of my favorite questions - Is mathematics ultimately invented or discovered? - so I would go.
 


Yes, definitely, I would go and explain him why they are discovered :biggrin:
 


Yet I thought God is PF admins.
 


humanino said:
Yes, definitely, I would go and explain him why they are discovered :biggrin:

Axioms?
 
  • #10


Give it a shot and report back here if you will...
 
  • #11


It's on friday at 4:15 pm. I'm supposed to help have this wind tunnel model ready by monday, so I don't know if I'll be able to go or not. Were building the aircraft model at the company, not on campus, so I would have to leave and go to school to sit in the talk -depending how far we get they might not be happy about this.
 
  • #12


Cyrus said:
It's on friday at 4:15 pm. I'm supposed to help have this wind tunnel model ready by monday, so I don't know if I'll be able to go or not. Were building the aircraft model at the company, not on campus, so I would have to leave and go to school to sit in the talk -depending how far we get they might not be happy about this.

Pfffft, you would choose to work on some abstract wind tunnel thingy instead of something you can actually use?
 

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