Mandelbrot on Fractals as A Theory of Roughness.
December 3, 2006 12:32 AM Subscribe
A talk with Benoît Mandelbrot, entitled Fractals in Science, Engineering and Finance (Roughness and Beauty) [video, 80mins, realplayer] about fractals as A Theory of Roughness.
Obligatory link to Jonathan Coulton's Mandelbrot Set. (There are swears; headphones advised if at work.)
Lyrics are also available.
posted by JDHarper at 5:15 AM on December 3, 2006
Lyrics are also available.
posted by JDHarper at 5:15 AM on December 3, 2006
For me, this is an absolute must-watch. I was able to see him speak a few weeks ago and it was a really engaging talk. His recent stuff isn't so much math just more cultural commentary.
posted by thebigdeadwaltz at 11:51 AM on December 3, 2006
posted by thebigdeadwaltz at 11:51 AM on December 3, 2006
Absolutely remarkable. Mandelbrot is a very good speaker, engaging a very wide audience.
However, the theory of roughness is not new in mathematical physics. Kolmogorov already in the 40s and Monin later on defined fluid mechanics and 2-D and geophysical turbulence using self-similarity theory. Unfortunately, cold war politics muffled their contributions until the 70s when probably independently self-similarity was re-discovered in the western world.
Nevertheless, Mandelbrot's talk is very interesting.
posted by carmina at 9:28 PM on December 3, 2006
However, the theory of roughness is not new in mathematical physics. Kolmogorov already in the 40s and Monin later on defined fluid mechanics and 2-D and geophysical turbulence using self-similarity theory. Unfortunately, cold war politics muffled their contributions until the 70s when probably independently self-similarity was re-discovered in the western world.
Nevertheless, Mandelbrot's talk is very interesting.
posted by carmina at 9:28 PM on December 3, 2006
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