Title: Our Mathematical Universe

Speaker: Distinguished Professor Peter Kuchment

Abstract:

Everyone has heard many times that "mathematics is useful in sciences, engineering, etc." It is, indeed. However, no one has been able (at least in the speaker's opinion) to answer the question "WHY does this happen?" Mathematicians are not big fans of discussing this topic (physicists are). The speaker is really going out on a limb (please, do not kill the messenger) presenting a discussion of (not an answer to) this question, with examples of various major historical developments in and applications of mathematics. No background in mathematics is needed (or is enough).