Talk Shows the Mysterious Power of Mathematics

Here's a very interesting video from the Ted Talks on the origin of fractals, and how they are used extensively in African culture. It reminds me of why I find mathematical history so fascinating.

The speaker, Ron Eglash makes some broad, rather unsubstantiated claims in this, particularly when, like the proverbial man with the hammer who sees everything as a nail, he suggests capitalism is an out-of-control self-replicating system.

Nevertheless, Eglash makes a real contribution to our understanding of mathematics and culture, and raises truly fascinating questions. Particularly about the mysterious power that mathematics offers up to us out of the riddles at its core.

No Easy Answer for Evil

Another interesting talk from Ted.com. This one by Tom Honey, an English clergyman, who addresses the issue of how God can allow devastating tsunamis. I won't spoil the surprise of his answer. But I will say that I think the strongest part of his argument is that so long as we view God as outside our world when explaining evil, as puppet master, powerless, uncaring, etc. we have something unsatisfying and even offensive. The best case: find God with us, suffering right along with us. The question is: "Why?"

Deutsch on Uniqueness and Knowledge in the Universe

Here's another fascinating TEDTalk, this time from physicist David Deutsch, who examines the question of what is typical and not typical about humanity in the universe, and shows the connection between the mathematical properties of the universe and our minds. Recorded in 2005 in the U.K. About 20 minutes.

Shermer on Critical Thinking

Here's a fun twenty minute video from the always interesting TEDBlog.com and TEDTalks featuring Michael Shermer of Skeptic magazine, who demonstrates the importance of critical thinking. This video has been around for a while, but my blog has not. Hence, I'm posting a link to it now that I've thought of it.

I don't endorse Shermer's entire worldview, which is atheist and naturalist, but he is clearly a sharp mind worth listening to. My favorite part is about the alleged satanic lyrics in the backwards Led Zeppelin songs.