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Twenty Second Annual Darwin College Lecture Series 2007

IDENTITY

Lecture 4   :   9 February

MATHEMATICAL IDENTITY

Marcus du Sautoy

Oxford University

Biography  |   Abstract   |   Printable Version  

Abstract

The walls of the Alhambra in Grenada are covered in a cascade of different colours and shapes. But through the mathematician's glasses there are only 17 different symmetries possible on the palace walls. What does it mean for two totally different images to have identical symmetries? Mathematics is full of different ways of looking at the world where seemingly different objects become identical under the mathematicians microscope. Equations too represent a dialogue between the right and left hand side of the equals side where the mathematics magically transforms one idea into an often seemingly unrelated idea. Yet the logical proof behind the equation reveals an identity between the two concepts.

The lectures are given at 5.30 p.m. in The Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Avenue, with an adjacent overflow theatre with live TV coverage. Each lecture is typically attended by 600 people so you must arrive early to ensure a place.