Do the Math!

November 23rd is Fibonacci Day, named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, who later became known as Fibonacci. He is famous for popularizing the Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe (replacing Roman numerals) and for introducing the series of numbers we now call the Fibonacci sequence to the western world in his 1202 book, Liber Abaci. In honor of Fibonacci Day, for this month's playlist we are thinking all about numbers and math.

In a recent episode, Josh and Ray asked philosopher of math Arezoo Islami if the truths of mathematics are timeless and unchanging, or culturally and historically contingent. Earlier in the year year, they spoke with mathematician Moon Duchin about how geometry might be useful for combatting anti-democratic practices like gerrymandering.

For the other episodes in this month's playlist, we delve further back into the archives. John and Ken talked with computer scientist Rudy Rucker about the puzzling mathematical concept of infinity and with cognitive scientist and NPR's "Math Guy" Keith Devlin about the many ways our minds do math. In the last episode, John and Ken ask philosopher Gideon Rosen that timeless metaphysical question: what exactly is a number anyway? 

Do the Math

Episode Title Date Related Content

The Mysterious Timelessness of Math

Sun, Oct 10, 2021 The Mysterious Timelessness of Math Why Is Math So Useful?

Democracy By Numbers

Sun, Jan 17, 2021 Democracy By Numbers The Mathematics of Democracy

Infinity

Sun, Feb 24, 2008 Infinity Infinity: A Dialogue

Math and the Mind

Sun, Sep 16, 2007 Math and the Mind

What are Numbers?

Tue, Mar 14, 2006 What are Numbers?
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