Number and Humanity: John von Neumann versus Daniel Defoe on the nature of desire

Join the Friends of PUL for their monthly Small Talk, which will feature David Nirenberg, Director and Leon Levy Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study on December 14.

Our knowledge of mathematics has structured much of what we think we know about ourselves as individuals and communities, shaping our psychologies, sociologies, and economies. In pursuit of a more predictable and more controllable cosmos, we have extended mathematical insights and methods to more and more aspects of the world. Today those powers are greater than ever, as computation is applied to virtually every aspect of human activity. Yet, in the process, are we losing sight of the human? When we apply mathematics so broadly, what do we gain and what do we lose?

We welcome current Friends of PUL members to attend in person. A reception will follow the live talk.

The presentation will also be available by Zoom.

PLEASE NOTE: Online registration is now closed for this event. Please email libraryf@skipcomer.com if you would like to attend.

Photo credit: Andrea Kane