Calculus and the Power of Mathematical Lies | Steven Strogatz

Steven Strogatz is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. Strogatz’s academic interests include nonlinear dynamics and complex systems. Our conversation begins with a discussion about his 2019 book Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe, which includes a fascinating discussion about how math can be thought of as “a lie that reveals the truth” and a story about the advancement of HIV treatments in the 1990s. We also delve into circadian rhythms and his seminal paper on “small-world” networks.

Links from the Episode
Episode Article: Present Value: Steven Strogatz on the importance of calculus and the power of mathematical lies
Faculty Page: Steven Strogatz - Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics
Personal Website: stevenstrogatz.com
Twitter: @stevenstrogatz
Book: Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe

Steven Strogatz is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. Strogatz’s academic interests include nonlinear dynamics and complex systems. Our conversation begins with a discussion about his 2019 book Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe, which includes a fascinating discussion about how math can be thought of as “a lie that reveals the truth” and a story about the advancement of HIV treatments in the 1990s. We also delve into circadian rhythms and his seminal paper on “small-world” networks.

Links from the Episode
Episode Article: Present Value: Steven Strogatz on the importance of calculus and the power of mathematical lies
Faculty Page: Steven Strogatz - Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics
Personal Website: stevenstrogatz.com
Twitter: @stevenstrogatz
Book: Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe