Abstract / résumé
Name / nom: Micah Blake McCurdy
School / école: Dalhousie University
Length / durée:
Talk #1: 50 min
Talk #2: 25 min
Title / titre:
Talk #1: An Introduction to the Black Art of Category Theory
Talk #2: Trivialities
Abstract / résumé:
The long talk:
An introduction to the Black Art of Category Theory
In many universities, Category Theory either doesn't exist or is
practised by a small cabal of mathematicians in secrecy, under cover
of darkness, well hidden from all undergraduates and all but the most
determined of grad students. This talk will give an introduction to
the "abstract nonsense" that is category theory, both from first
principles and from as many examples as can be fit in. Come see the
pretty diagrams and the huge breadth of a subject that is woefully
undertaught in Canada. Far from being difficult, one of the leading
figures of category theory seriously believes that it can be taught to
high school students, if not younger.
The short talk:
Trivialities
A very informal talk discussing the various meanings of the word
trivial, and how trivialities can inform serious mathematics. Most
importantly, "trivial" cases most sharply expose the strengths and
weaknesses of different views of the same idea.
I will present some trivial proofs of non-trivial facts, and
non-trivial proofs of trivial facts. Counterintuitive as it may be,
the progress of mathematics amounts to making more things trivial,
instead of fewer. Light refreshments will be served. Feel free to heckle.
Prerequisites / choses nécessaires:
Talk #1: No detailed knowledge is
required, although the examples will range over many different
subjects.
Talk #2: An easygoing talk, requiring no detailed knowledge.
PDF format / format PDF: mccurdy.pdf