What do you think of this video describing infinity?

Asked by LostInParadise (31915

) November 17th, 2013

I do not usually care for TED talks, but I think this one does a really good job of introducing the mathematical concept of infinity. It covers the basic idea in about 7 minutes. I am hoping that even those who do not care much for math will see the beauty of the core idea.

My one quibble is that while the criticism of his theory may have contributed to Cantor’s mental illness, it should be pointed out that there was a family history of the disease.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

7 Answers

My head hurts. And not from the alcohol from last night.

Sueanne_Tremendous (11290

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…

I’m just not sure why it matters.

livelaughlove21 (15724

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…

I was fine until minute 6; then i began to flounder and yearned for the four sheep and the four marker stones. Then I began to ponder using the same method with a herd of hundred sheep..all those stones and sheep to keep track of. What if several sheep crowded together and rushed into the pen?

It matters because of the beauty of the concepts and of the advancement of knowledge, if that matters. Why does a painting by Vermeer matter? Why does understanding how he painted it matter?

gailcalled (54644

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

Endlessly fascinating.

Pachy (18610

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…

It is as clear an explanation of infinity as I have heard. It is a bit disturbing that you get from a few sheep and a few stones to an infinity of infinities just through reasoning.

flutherother (34531

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…