Mathematica: A Secret World of Intuition and Curiosity

David Bessis

(suggested by Oscar)

Math has a reputation for being inaccessible. People think that it requires a special gift or that comprehension is a matter of genes. Yet the greatest mathematicians throughout history, from René Descartes to Alexander Grothendieck, have insisted that this is not the case. Like Albert Einstein, who famously claimed to have “no special talent,” they said that they had accomplished what they did using ordinary human doubts, weaknesses, curiosity, and imagination.

David Bessis offers an illuminating guide toward deeper mathematical comprehension and reconnects us with the mental plasticity we experienced as children.

With simple, concrete examples, Bessis shows how mathematical comprehension is integral to the great learning milestones of life, such as learning to see, to speak, to walk, and to eat with a spoon.

Where to meet
We will be meeting at Kingston Library, Fairfield Rd, KT1 2PS

https://goo.gl/maps/stuniZBoAbEcccyy5

Time

Please arrive at 18:10 for a 18:15 start sharp, so we can squeeze the most discussion out of the session :)

We will wrap up around 19:40 as the library needs us out by 19:45

There will then be an option to go for a drink at a nearby pub if anyone is interested.

As always please feel free to contact me with any questions etc, or post on the group wall.