After Math: Following Mathematics into the Digital

Time: 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Saint Augustine Center Room 300, Villanova University

We begin with conversation and a light supper (donation: $10.00). When the discussion lags, about 6:30 to 6:45, Stephanie Dick, Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows, Ph.D.candidate, Department of History of Science, Harvard University will speak on:

After Math: Following Mathematics into the Digital

The advent of modern digital computing in the mid-twentieth century precipitated many transformations in the practices of mathematical knowledge production. However, early computing practitioners throughout the United States subscribed to complicated and conflicting visions of just how much the computer could contribute to mathematics - each suggesting a different division of mathematical labor between humans and computers and a hierarchization of the tasks involved. Some imagined computers as mere plodding “slaves” who would take over tedious and mechanical elements of mathematical research. Others imagined them more generously as “mentors” or “collaborators” that could offer novel insight and direction to human mathematicians. Still others believed that computers would eventually become autonomous agents of mathematical research. And computing communities did not simply narrativize the potential of the computer differently; they also built those different visions right in to computer programs that enabled new ways of doing mathematics with computers. With a focus on communities based in the United States in the second half of the twentieth century, this talk will explore different visions of the computer as a mathematical agent, the software that was crafted to animate those imaginings, and the communities and practices of mathematical knowledge-making that emerged in tandem.

Directions: Villanova University is located on route 30, Lancaster Avenue, just east of I-476. If you drive to the meeting, enter Villanova by the main gate on Ithan Avenue, just north of Lancaster Avenue (route 30), opposite the Pavilion. Tell the guard you are attending the History of Mathematics Seminar. Ask for directions either to the Mendel Lot, where there is limited parking around the greenhouse, or to the St. Augustine lot. From the Mendel Lot, pass under the arch of Mendel Hall and turn left, follow the sidewalk with Mendel Hall on your left. The next building on your left is the Saint Augustine Center. Enter the building, 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. You can get in touch with me (Alan Gluchoff) at 610-905-1376 if you need help.

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.