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