The reality and rationality of numbers
Albert Einstein said “As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.” This series of informal seminars explores the question of whether we invented or discovered mathematics and the relation of numerical patterns to the natural world. Topics will include the power of symmetry, the harmony of the spheres, Pythagorean theorems in stone, the Golden Ratio in art and architecture, the Fibonacci series in nature and how magic is a tetractys? No mathematical or philosophical knowledge is necessary. We will all learn from each other.
15th Jan Pythagoras
19th Feb Tetractys and symmetry
20 March The Harmony of the Spheres: music and frequencies Om singing bowls
16 April The Golden Ratio
21 May The Fibonacci series and
18th June Numerology and the Power of Limits
The discussion on September 18th as to whether animals can lie was very lively, discussing whether honesty or deception was innate, and whether language depended on a complex language system. Because there is another organic gardening celebration on October 18th, it was agreed to defer the topic of language and labels until the final session of the year on November 20th, as below
November 20th Language, truth and the value of labels “Language is prior to any technology requiring the accumulation of knowledge and the coordination of human activity …. Language is the unique foundation of the human realm and from the very beginning it has borne a destructive as well as a creative power.” Charles Eisenstein The Ascent of Humanity p.48 . What is the value of stereotypes and generalisations? Ban all Moslems? “Marriage is between a man and a woman” Can poetry/metaphors be true or false? “The foot of a bed” “the mouth of a river” “mobile phones” “Bullets are earnest lullabies”.
2017 Tingrith thinkfests
Hi Felicity. I have attended your Thinkfests before and was interested in whether Tingrith House could be hired as a workshop venue by the day (Monday to Friday) or even for Morning or Afternoon blocks of time. If this is possible, what would be the rates?
Many thanks and hope you are well.
Charity Coffman
Hi Charity, I’ve been neglecting the website over the crazy holiday season, and HAD wanted to tart the website up with things like an active calendar over the holidays, but alas it isn’t happening. I have used the website since you write but missed your message completely,Yes you can book the meetinghouse in the daytime or even in afternoons, and I am charging $500 for a full day (half the price of Quality Inn and no additional charges for attendees). These prices apply to the renovated studio across the way which now has a commercial kitchen and hot showers and a clearer open space. We’ve had several holiday bookings just for accommodation and some interesting seminars and workshops including Mary Rodwell, I;ve raised the price of accommodation to $80 per person per night, but that doesn’t apply to day hire only of course.. Lewt me know if you are still interested. It’s fully booked for the rest of the holidays, except for the week beginning Jan 26th. You can email me on tingrith63@gmail.com – there’s more chance of me seeing it. The thinkfests start again on Jan 18th – this time on seven female philosophers,including Germaine Greer.And Happy New Year