Explore the profound concept of infinity in this thought-provoking World Science Festival panel discussion. Delve into the historical, philosophical, mathematical, and physical aspects of infinity as leading experts Keith Devlin, Raphael Bousso, Philip Clayton, Steven Strogatz, and W. Hugh Woodin share their insights. Discover the origins of infinity in philosophy, its role in mathematics through concepts like Hilbert's infinite hotel and Cantor's diagonal proof, and its implications in physics and cosmology. Examine the continuum hypothesis, the use of infinity in making accurate predictions, and debate whether infinity exists beyond a mental concept. Gain a deeper understanding of this enigmatic subject that has fascinated thinkers across disciplines for centuries.
Overview
Syllabus
What is Infinity?
Philip Clayton and the history of Infinity?
Philosopher Mahavira's role in infinity.
Steven Strogatz and the mathematics of infinity.
Hilbert's infinite hotel
What is Cantor's diagonal proof?
Continuum hypothesis and what it means to infinity.
Hugh Woodin and solving the Continuum hypothesis
Raphael Bousso on infinity and its role in physics.
Using infinity to make accurate predictions.
Infinity: Mathematics, Physics and Philosophy.
Mathematical equivalence of full sentences.
What is infinity only works as a mental concept?
Final thoughts on infinity?
Taught by
World Science Festival
