Chennai Mathematical Institute

Seminars




Endowment Lectures at CMI
K. Lakshmanan Memorial Distinguished Lecture: A glimpse into the Foundations of Mathematics - Nitin Nitsure, TIFR, Mumbai - 2.00-3.00 p.m.
R.K. Rubugunday Distinguished Lecture: The method of moving planes and the classical isoperimetric inequality - S. Kesavan, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai - 3.30-4.30 p.m.

20-02-13


Abstract

Endowment Lectures at CMI (Wednesday, 20 February 2013)

K. Lakshmanan Memorial Distinguished Lecture
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Speaker : Prof. Nitin Nitsure
TIFR, Mumbai

Title : A glimpse into the Foundations
of Mathematics

Abstract
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What is Mathematics about? What does it mean to say that some mathematical objects exist? What is the meaning of `truth' in mathematics? What is a proof? Why should we believe in the resulting theorems?

Foundational questions such as these have intrigued common people, as well as mathematicians and philosophers, for ages. In this talk, we will take a look at these questions, and at some of their suggested answers from ancient to modern times. Most of the talk will be understandable by anybody who has had an exposure to mathematics at the junior college level.

Time : 2.00-3.00 p.m.

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Coffee Break : 3.00-3.30 p.m.

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R.K. Rubugunday Distinguished Lecture

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Speaker : Prof. S. Kesavan
Institute of Mathematical Sciences
Chennai

Title : The method of moving planes and the
classical isoperimetric inequality

Abstract
========
We will establish the classical isoperimetric inequality which implies that of all domains of fixed `volume' in N-dimensional euclidean space, the sphere alone minimizes the surface `area'. Usual proofs of this are very difficult and involve notions from geometric measure theory. We will give an elementary argument involving simple notions from the calculus and differential equations, based on an observation of X. Cabre.

Time : 3.30-4.30 p.m.

Venue : Seminar Hall
Chennai Mathematical Institute
Plot No. H1, SIPCOT IT Park
Siruseri, Kelambakkam-603 103
Tamil Nadu, India.

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High Tea : 4.30-5.00 p.m.

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