University of Missouri
Department of Mathematics

The Inaugural Miller Family
Distinguished Lecture Series

Wednesday, May 9, 2007, 4 p.m. • Cornell Auditorium, Cornell Hall

Mathematics: Invention or Discovery?

Abstract: For thousands of years philosophers, mathematicians, and physicists have argued about the nature of reality and its relation to mathematics. This question is still pertinent today, when modern physics delves deeper into the most abstract mathematics, while neurophysiologists learn more about the human brain.

I will discuss these age-old questions, using simple illustrative examples and end with an analysis of present-day knowledge.

This talk is intended for the general public.

Thursday, May 10, 2007, 4 p.m. • Monsanto Auditorium, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center

An Unsolved Problem in Elementary Geometry

Abstract: I will describe an elementary problem in Euclidean geometry which is still unsolved. The problem involves only a finite number of points in 3-dimensional space, but it has links with more sophisticated parts of mathematics and physics. It is a challenge to young and old.

A reception will be on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, from 5-7 p.m., in the Reynolds Alumni Center Ballroom.