The Mathematics of Beauty and the Beauty of Mathematics

Monica Neagoy

Document Type

Presentation Abstract

Presentation Date

4-19-2010

Abstract

Designed for all audiences

Whether subjective or objective, ephemeral or eternal, arousing the senses or charming the intellect, the definition of beauty has forever challenged artists and philosophers alike. This engaging and highly visual presentation invites you to ponder the meanings of beauty, examine the mathematics behind the beauty of things and enjoy aspects of mathematics that delight students, teachers, mathematicians, and all lovers of mathematics.

This lecture is designed in three parts:

  • Part 1: A general discussion on ―beauty.‖ How artists, philosophers, and writers have tackled the problem of defining and expressing beauty.
  • Part 2: An exploration of mathematics through the beauty of nature and human creations in our western culture. Monica Neagoy will attempt to explore the math hidden behind art such as sculpture, music and theatre, as well as the wonders of nature.
  • Part 3: An exploration of what can be considered as ―beautiful‖ in mathematics. How can we explain reactions such as, ―That’s wonderful!‖, ―That’s marvelous‖ or ―That’s beautiful!‖ when talking about mathematics? Monica Neagoy will explain the passion that professors, students and math lovers have for the subject.

Additional Details

The Alliance Française de Missoula, the U. M, Departments of Mathematics, of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and the UM Office of International Programs as well as the Délégation Générale de l’Alliance Française-USA have the great pleasure to announce the visit and conference of Professor Monica Neagoy.

Monica Neagoy is a professor and an independent consultant for private and public schools, as well as for national and international organizations such as the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI), the International Satellite Corporation (INTELSAT), the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She has a cosmopolitan education received in Asia and in the US before receiving a BS in philosophy and a doctorate in mathematics. After teaching mathematics at Georgetown University, Monica Neagoy served at the National Science Foundation as Program Director for the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education.

For the past 20 years, Monica Neagoy has been one of seven national judges for the prestigious MATHCOUNTS Foundation. She has also distinguished herself by designing, writing and producing short films and TV series for the TV stations Discovery Education and Annenberg CPB and for the online video libraries The Teaching Company and Media4Math.

Until 2004, she had a parallel career as co-manager, director and comedienne of NEON, the French-American theatre in Washington, DC, led by Didier Rousselet.

Her exposure to many cultures, her mastery of several languages, and her involvement in both the arts and sciences give her a unique perspective on the teaching of mathematics. Her lecture, ―The Mathematics of Beauty and the Beauty of Mathematics, combines her passion for mathematics and for art. She has frequently been invited to give this presentation, in the United States—from California to Georgia— as much as overseas. Her lecture has been received with enthusiasm for its seriousness and for the quality of its presentation and content. (Download the attached JPG file to see her photo.)

Monday, April 19 – 19:00 UM—Gallagher Business Building -123 (Reception follows)

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