Cycle of Mathematics: The Six Handshakes

Cycle of Mathematics: The Six Handshakes

Author: ACMEScience September 1, 2018 Duration: 27:29

Welcome to the new Cycle of Mathematics mini-series from Relatively Prime. In this mini-series we will be covering mathematics from its start as an idea to its publication to it inspiring the cycle to start anew.

In this first episode we bring to you the story of the ground breaking small-world network research of Duncan Watts and Steven Strogatz which spawned the mathematical discipline of network theory. This work was published in Nature in 1998 in a paper title Collective dynamics of ‘small-world’ networks. In order to tell this tale Samuel spoke with Duncan themself to get the inside story on where the idea came from, the process of the research, and why Duncan had to bring extra calling cards on a trip to Catalonia.

Stayed tuned for next month’s entry in the Cycle of Mathematics mini-series which will be all about the behind the scenes of mathematical publication.

Download the Episode

Music:
P C III
Jahzzar


Behind every equation, theorem, and abstract concept, there are human stories waiting to be told. Relatively Prime: Stories from the Mathematical Domain uncovers these narratives, moving far beyond textbook explanations to explore the passion, curiosity, and occasional frustration that drive mathematical discovery. Produced by ACMEScience, this podcast delves into the rich, often overlooked history and culture surrounding numbers and ideas. Each episode feels like a conversation, where you might hear about the quirky personalities behind pivotal proofs or the unexpected ways mathematical thinking shapes our everyday world. The focus is on connection-how mathematics intertwines with art, politics, philosophy, and personal endeavor. Tuning in, you'll find a thoughtful and accessible series that treats its subject with warmth and depth, making the domain of maths feel both relatable and astonishing. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the stories buried within the formulas, offering a genuinely human perspective on a profoundly human intellectual pursuit. This isn't about solving for x; it's about understanding the why.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 63

Relatively Prime: Stories from the Mathematical Domain
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