The Frida Cinema Santa Ana, CA
Dr. Jacob Barandes
Co-Director of Graduate Studies for Physics and Lecturer on Physics, Harvard University
Pi— Facets of mathematical physics
Program Description
Dr. Barandes applies elements of his main areas of study—notably, the foundations of quantum mechanics, the classical limit, field theory, general relativity, thermodynamics, and formal methods in mathematical physics—in a discussion about the adjacent themes and theories explored in Pi.
Presented At
The Frida Cinema Santa Ana, CA
Film Synopsis
A paranoid mathematician searches for a key number that will unlock the universal patterns found in nature.
Max (Sean Gullette) is a genius mathematician who's built a supercomputer at home that provides something that can be understood as a key for understanding all existence. Representatives both from a Hasidic cabalistic sect and high-powered Wall Street firm hear of that secret and attempt to seduce him.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jacob Barandes conducts research at the intersection of physics and philosophy. Broadly speaking, his work has two sides: “philosophical physics,” which involves using the methodological tools of philosophy to make progress on open problems in physics, and “physical philosophy,” which involves examining what our most successful physical theories tell us about traditional questions in philosophy. He founded and organizes the Foundations of Physics at Harvard seminar and workshop series, which is co-sponsored by the Department of Philosophy. He completed his PhD in the Department of Physics at Harvard University, where he currently serves as Lecturer and Co-Director of Graduate Studies. He is also an Associated Faculty Member with the Department of Philosophy and a Faculty Affiliate with the Harvard Black Hole Initiative. He is also interested in the philosophy of probability, the philosophy of time, the philosophy of mind, the history of physics, and logic.