The C-Word - talking Calculus with Steven Strogatz
Jun 17, 2019•51 min
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Summary
Steven Strogatz shares his profound emotional connection to Isaac Newton's original calculus manuscripts, reflecting on Newton's genius and human struggles. He demystifies calculus for a general audience, tracing its origins from ancient problems of curved shapes and motion to its pervasive influence in the modern world, from rocket science to medicine. The episode delves into the famous Newton-Leibniz priority dispute, their differing approaches, and how calculus, now called "analysis," continues to be a cutting-edge field while also confronting its future with powerful computers. Strogatz also candidly discusses the challenges of writing his book "Infinite Powers" and the importance of highlighting calculus's real-world impact.Episode description
We record at the Royal Society in London, with Isaac Newton's original calculus papers.
Infinite Powers by Steven Strogatz
Some bonus video footage we filmed at the Royal Society
Hannah Fry with the same documents on Objectivity
And the Principia on Objectivity
With thanks to
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