The Beauty behind the Math
You are here
Lire en français [2]The Beauty behind the Math
10.22.2015, by
Nicolas Baker [7]
The universal language of science, the poetry of the Universe, or simply an intellectual vehicle? Sharing researchers' everyday life at the Institut Henri Poincaré provides an insight into the world of mathematics. A world of equations, diagrams and conceptual beauty.
All photos are taken from the book La Maison des Mathématiques (Paris: Cherche Midi, 2015).
1
Slideshow mode
“The world and its phenomena can be understood through a mathematical approach. It is legitimate to seek to understand why mathematics lends itself so well to this scientific process. Does that in itself reveal an essential property of reality?”
Jean-Philippe Uzan
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
2
Slideshow mode
“Generally, in deciding which abstract property to study, the researcher is guided by a kind of poetic emotion, which provides a link between the human realm of emotions and the abstract realm of mathematics.”
Jean-Philippe Uzan
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
3
Slideshow mode
“On the one hand, this discipline is a formidable machine for solving practical problems. On the other hand, it is an intellectual and artistic activity that takes pride in its beauty and sophistication.”
Cédric Villani
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
4
Slideshow mode
A brain imaging study has shown that for mathematicians, seeing a “beautiful” formula triggers the same neurological reactions as seeing a work of art.
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
5
Slideshow mode
“I find as much pleasure in sight-reading Chopin as in reading a book of equations.”
Alain Connes
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
6
Slideshow mode
“The esthetic that emerges from the mathematical construction of a theory is often emphasized, nearly like a hallmark of validity or a sign that we’re on the right track.”
Jean-Philippe Uzan
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
7
Slideshow mode
If creative inspiration emerges while walking down a corridor, there are blackboards everywhere at the Institut Henri Poincaré. Whenever anyone wants to discuss an idea, the material is always at hand.
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
8
Slideshow mode
“Mathematicians spend a good part of their time exploring the properties of known formulas, just as certain writers tirelessly plumb the entire palette of meanings and hidden meanings of a word.”
Cédric Villani
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
9
Slideshow mode
“A good theory is a beautiful theory.”
Henri Poincaré
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
10
Slideshow mode
The concrete serving the abstract: these objects dating from the 19th century helped students grasp the subtleties of geometry.
Vincent Moncorgé/Look at Sciences
Explore more
Matter
Mathematics
Keywords
Henri Poincaré Institute [30] Equation [31] Beauty [32] Abstract [33] Number [34] Cédric Villani [35] Fields Medal [36]