From Mosquitoes to ChatGPT - The Birth and Strange Life of the Random Walk

Explore the fascinating history and diverse applications of random walks in this 55-minute lecture from the Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Discover how this fundamental concept in applied mathematics was independently invented by multiple individuals across different countries between 1905 and 1910 for a variety of purposes, ranging from mosquito control to physics, finance, and even theological debates. Delve into the intriguing story behind the development of random walks and learn about their connection to Markov processes. Gain insights into how these mathematical concepts underpin current approaches to artificial intelligence, and consider their implications for the present and future capabilities of AI systems.