|
Matching Mathematics to the World| old_uid | 10320 |
|---|
| title | Matching Mathematics to the World |
|---|
| start_date | 2011/10/27 |
|---|
| schedule | 14h-16h |
|---|
| online | no |
|---|
| location_info | salle de conférences |
|---|
| summary | Recent philosophical work on applied mathematics has focused on the way that mathematical structures match the structure of physical phenomena. Debate has centered on abstraction, in which aspects of physical structure are left out in the mathematical model, and on physically non-meaningful solutions, in which aspects of the mathematical structure have no physical analogues. In this talk I focus on whether it even makes sense to talk of ‘the physical structure’ in this context. Using as examples the classical problem of the bridges of Konigsberg and the more contemporary Manhattan river crossing problem, I argue that unique structure is almost never inherent in a physical phenomenon. Finally I explore whether adopting a more game-like stance toward applied mathematics may be helpful. |
|---|
| responsibles | <not specified> |
|---|
| |
|