London Mathematical Society Popular Lectures 2012
Nationwide, England (London)
26.06.2012
7pm - 9.30pm
The London Mathematical Society Popular Lectures present exciting topics in mathematics (and its applications) to a wide audience. Each year, the LMS Popular Lectures feature two lecturers, who have been chosen for their mathematical distinction. Usually, there is one pure mathematician and one applied mathematician.
The lectures are suitable for all who have an interest in mathematics.
Professor Tim Gowers FRS (University of Cambridge)
Can anything be salvaged from the wreckage of Hilbert’s dream?
Could we program a computer to do maths at least as well as we do it? This is a formidable challenge, for reasons that Tim Gowers will discuss, but despite the difficulties he will try to persuade you that the answer is yes!
Professor Sir Roger Penrose FRS (University of Oxford)
On Attempting to Model the Mathematical Mind
In this talk, Roger Penrose introduces the idea of a 'cautious oracle' as a more human version of Turing's oracles (a way of modelling the mathematical mind). He reports on some startling new experiments, which appear to point to new insights into brain activity, and he speculates on how this might relate to the power of human understanding.
We will see that, although climate models are far from perfect, some predictions can be made with confidence.
Audience:
Adult Numeracy Tutor, Advanced Skills Teacher, Consultant / Adviser, Head of Mathematics / Mathematics Coordinators, Key Skills Teacher, Learning Support Staff / Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Lecturer, Mentor, NCETM Partner / Stakeholder, Newly Qualified Teacher, Researcher, Return To Teach, Senior Leader, Subject Learning Coach, Teacher, Teacher Educator, Trainee Teacher, Volunteer