SPS Mathematics Blog

Harry gave a talk on other possible worlds using quantum mechanics. After explanation, we showed that when a quantum object in superposition gets entangled with another object, a parallel world is formed. We proved this using a theoretical experiment with light; when observing, the way light behaves differs from if you hadn’t observed it, which should be impossible in classical physics. This led to a discussion with questions such as how many possible worlds exist, how energy is conserved, and whether this idea is real or conceptual.

This week in Maths and Phil Soc, Aman gave a talk on mathematical constructivism. This is a branch of maths where you reject one of the foundational axioms (law of excluded middle) and so common mathematical proofs, such as proof by contradiction, do not work - constructivists believe that if (P or Q) you should be able to prove (notP) and (notQ). If (P or Q) is true, you cannot rely on proving (notP) is true to prove Q is true. The following discussion included queries about how constructivists can deal with the idea that mathematics is discovered.

Two students who joined St Paul's in L8th, Conrad and William, discuss the their experience of joining the school. Arav of the Maths Society volunteered to interview the students.