Abstract Mathematology (UH, IS MATH REAL?) with Dr. Eugenia Cheng
Math wants to be friends. Let mathematician, author and Abstract Mathematologist Dr. Eugenia Cheng introduce you to a secret world: the artsy and emotional side of math. Dr. Cheng helps answer the age-old and (recently viral) question, “IS MATH REAL?” We chat about Fibonacci sequences, golden ratios, common core, loving thy neighbor, slide rules vs. calculators, imaginary numbers, the nature of zero, infinite cookies, and more. Turns out that math can change your relationships and permeate your every thought.. if you let it. Also: wtf, Barbie?
Listen via Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbay, Podcast Addict, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Visit Dr. Eugenia Cheng’s website and follow her on Twitter
Browse Dr. Cheng’s books including Is Math Real?: How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics' Deepest Truths (2023), The Joy of Abstraction: An Exploration of Math, Category Theory, and Life (2022), and How to Bake Pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics (2016)
A donation went to Math Circles of Chicago
Links to things we discussed:
Very long marathons are very long
Anthropometric Comparison of World-Class Sprinters and Normal Populations
The math TikTok that started it all
Eugenia’s response to that viral TikTok
Barbie Liberation Organization press video, 1993
Mathematical Treasure: Teen Talk Barbie
Mattel Says It Erred; Teen Talk Barbie Turns Silent on Math
"OPERATION NEWSPEAK” The Barbie / G.I. Joe Voice Swap of Xmas 1993
Barbie Fucks It Up Again: 2014 Computer Engineering Book
How Imgur saved Feminist Hacker Barbie behind the scenes
Feminist Hacker Barbie meme generator
Kathleen Tuite: The woman behind the Feminist Hacker Barbie meme generator
History of Bases Used in Ancient Civilizations
Yes, Men Run Faster Than Women, but Over Shorter Distances and Not by Much
Emotions and motivation in mathematics education: Where we are today and where we need to go
The TikTok Algorithm Knew My Sexuality Better Than I Did
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?)
Classical Archeology (ANCIENT ROME)
Economic Sociology (MONEY/FREAKONOMICS)
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions
Transcripts by Emily White of The Wordary
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn