Friends of Pieter Scholtz invite patrons to bring their curiosity, their questions, their knowledge (or lack of it) to the ‘merry month of May’ soiree - May 5 at 18h00 - when St Clements regular and friend, Prof Kevin Duffy, will entertain and enlighten - maybe change our lives — with a presentation about one of his favourite subjects: What is Mathematics? And is it Everywhere?
In 2022, the learning network at The New York Times quizzed teens with the prompt: Do you see the point of learning math? “
The answer from many students — those who love and those who ‘detest’ the subject alike — was “yes”. Of course math helps us balance checkbooks and work up budgets, they said, but it also helps us learn how to follow a formula, appreciate music, draw, shoot three-pointers and even skateboard. It gives us different perspectives, helps us organize our chaotic thoughts, makes us more creative, and shows us how to think rationally.” (NYT Nov 10, 2022)
So: What is Mathematics? And is it Everywhere?
Prof Kevin Duffy will discuss where mathematics comes from, its purpose, and whether it is something humans discover or create. He will briefly talk about its history in the context of these questions, and use simple examples to illustrate its role in our lives. "If you’ve ever wondered about the role of mathematics in the world around us, then come along. No advanced knowledge needed!” he says.
Feel welcome to ask him about the 'what' of maths in his elephant research, in kiteboarding and surfing, in AI, in ecology and agronomy, in the soliloquies of Hamlet (a project done in collaboration with Shakespeare sage, Prof Brian Pearce)
Kevin Jan Duffy is a Research Professor in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He was, until recently, National Research Foundation (SA) research chair: Applying Mathematics to Natural and Human Systems. (Institute of Systems Science, DUT).
Dr Duffy obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Natal. His PhD is from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, United States, where he and his wife, Barbara, lived for several years. He specialises in mathematical modelling across disciplines like ecology, epidemiology, and engineering. (When I Google, I see oodles of publications: Journal of Applied Mathematics; African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development; Journal of Ecology and Evolution; Journal of Applied Ecology and Environmental Research; Journal of Biological Dynamics… etc etc.) Kevin was born in Kenya and grew up in Muden and Greytown.
When the donation box is passed around, a minimum of R50 per person is suggested.
Weather permitting, the show will be outdoors. Indoors if it rains.
Table bookings essential: RSVP St Clements 031 202 2511
Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. (They stay open specially for this project.)
Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00.
Please cancel if you book then can’t make it.
St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road in Durban. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00. Table bookings are essential on 031 202 2511.
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