Math as Science
&
Theory and Law

Scientists cannot deny how useful mathematics can be in proving their hypotheses and establishing credibility for their work. But is math just a means to an end, or could it be considered a form of science unto itself? On today’s program, Matt Hoffman, an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will grapple with this question and explain how even mathematicians can disagree on the answer. In our second half, we’ll discuss the difference between a scientific theory and a law.

• Host: Brian Koberlein
• Guest: Matt Hoffman
• Producer: Mark Gillespie
• Music: Marcus Warner