How geometry created modern physics (Discourse)

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Prof. Yang-Hui uncovers why geometry has always been about far more than the measurement of shapes. It is at the heart of physics.

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Geometry has always been about far more than the measurement of shapes. It is at the heart of physics as well as mathematics. Inscribed above the door of Plato’s Academy in Athens were the words, ‘Let no one ignorant of geometry enter’.From geometry’s classical beginnings, via the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, to the present day, Yang-Hui He will take us on a journey through time and space, culminating in our understanding of spacetime itself. In the 19th century, mathematicians such as Carl Gauss and Bernhard Riemann considered what would happen if we relaxed Euclid’s axioms. The result was the explosion of post-Euclidean geometry, which paved the way for Einstein’s theory of relativity and the birth of modern physics.Singularity solutions of spacetime geometry have led to the discovery of black holes. And string theory, in the attempt to unify quantum mechanics with relativity, is giving rise to a brave new world of quantum geometry. If you’re ignorant of any of this on arrival, rest assured that by the time you leave you’ll be fit to enter Plato’s Academy.Speaker Information: Prof. Yang-Hui He is a Fellow at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences, which is based at the Royal Institution. He works at the interface of string theory, algebraic and combinatorial geometry, and machine learning.This is a theatre event, where the speaker and audience in our theatre are joined by an online audience. For Theatre attendees, the address is 21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS.This event is in partnership with the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences. By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri&#x27;s <a href="https://www.rigb.org/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">event terms and conditions</a>. You also agree to abide by our <a href="https://www.rigb.org/about-us/how-were-run/our-code-conduct-ri-visitors" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">code of conduct</a>, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - <a href="https://www.rigb.org/support-us" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">consider joining today.</a>Find out more about the history of <a href="https://www.rigb.org/explore-science/explore/blog/unheard-history-friday-evening-discourses" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Discourses on our blog</a>.The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, with a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.Event image by Pixabay via Pexels

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How geometry created modern physics (Discourse)

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