Axiomatization and the Emergence of American Research Agendas in Topology, 1900-1940

Time: Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Villanova University, Saint Augustine Center Room 300, Villanova, Pennsylvania

We begin with conversation and a light supper (donation: $10.00). When the discussion lags, about 6:30 to 6:45, Dr. Karen Parshall of the University of Virginia will speak on:

Axiomatization and the Emergence of American Research Agendas in Topology, 1900-1940

Abstract: Just two years after David Hilbert published his Grundlagen der Geometrie (1899), Eliakim Hastings Moore was teaching a course from the book to his graduate students at the University of Chicago. Among his auditors, Oswald Veblen quickly embraced the axiomatic methods inherent in Hilbert’s work, while both he and Moore encouraged yet another Chicago student, Robert L. Moore, to engage in axiomatic research. At Princeton, Veblen employed this “from the ground up” approach first in projective geometry and then in combinatorial topology, while R. L. Moore first at the University of Pennsylvania and then at the University of Texas, Austin, encouraged a generation of American point-set topologists to approach their chosen subfield from this particular point of view. This talk will explore how this emphasis on an axiomatic mode of thought allowed members of the American mathematical research community to carve out research agendas in each of these two brands of topology and, in so doing, to begin to establish the United States as a player in the international mathematical arena.

Directions: Villanova University is located on route 30, Lancaster Avenue, just east of I-476.

Due to ongoing construction on the Saint Augustine parking lots, the usual parking slots for those driving to Villanova will not be available this Fall, and perhaps part of the Spring. Those members who drive to Villanova must park in the Main Lot. I have attached a map of the campus to show where this is (it's the large blue and white striped area marked "Parking"). I have also included a parking pass good for the upcoming meeting. This should be printed out and put on the windshield of your car. There will be a new pass for each meeting.

The Main Lot has two entrances, one on Ithan Avenue and one on Lancaster Avenue. Please allow additional time to walk from the general lot to the SAC.

At the Saint Augustine Center, enter and proceed to the rear and take the elevator to the third floor. Exit to the right, then turn left; Room 300 is directly on the opposite side of the building. From the St. Augustine Lot enter the Center via the doorway at the end of the lot. Turn right and follow the hallway to the elevators; take the elevator to the third floor. Follow the directions to Room 300 as above.

Public transportation: Take SEPTA's Paoli - Thorndale train to the Villanova station. If outbound from center city go down through the tunnel to the inbound side. From the inbound platform a few steps lead to the Mendel parking lot. Proceed as above to Saint Augustine 300.