The Cauchy Problem in General Relativity
Stachel presents the “prehistory” of the initial-value or Cauchy problem in general relativity.
Mathematics
The Reception of General Relativity Among British Physicists and Mathematicians, 1915-1930
Sanchez-Ron discussions contemporary reactions to Einstein’s theories, both among mathematicians and physicists, and among philosophers.
From Klein to Kan: the algebra of space and the space of algebra (incomplete)
Marquis uses functors to specify the relationships between invariants. This recording is incomplete.
Euler, Maxwell, Grothendieck and the nature of space
Lawvere examines the ideas of toposes and generalised spaces for the geometric insight into reality that they provide.
General discussion session
Michael Wright chairs a discussion with conference attendees about ideals apparent in Grothendieck’s work, including geometry, logic, and the philosophy of generalisation.
Generality versus unity in geometry: some Grothendieckian themes
McLarty considers the difference between introducing new abstract concepts that generalise old ones, and discarding irrelevant, obfuscating assumptions in order to clarify or unify topics. In particular, he focuses on the latter motivation of Grothendieck and Noether.
On living in a contradictory world: categories versus sets
Cartier reflects on the advantages and disadvantages afforded by set- and category-theoretic formalisations of mathematics.
What does quantum gravity tell us about the nature of spacetime?
Crane explores the troubled foundations of geometry, quantum field theory and general relativity, and introduces his notion of the quantum topos.
Lecture with Steven Weinberg on the topic of Continuous and Discrete Symmetries in Physics
Lecture with Steven Weinberg on the topic of Continuous and Discrete Symmetries in Physics
Lecture with Td Lee on the topic of Structuralism and Realism
Lecture with Td Lee on the topic of Structuralism and Realism