The 30th Annual Marden Lecture on Mathematics presents:

The Many Facets of Chaos

Dr. James A. Yorke
University of Maryland
Institute for Physical Sciences and Technology (IPST)
Distinguished University Research Professor of Mathematics and Physics

“Scientists were probably the last people to find out about chaos. Everyone knows our lives are all chaotic: predictable in the very short run and unpredictable in the long run. Chaos is an area of science and mathematics that describes situations in which small changes can cascade into larger and larger long-term effects.
Meteorologist Edward Lorenz, one of the founders of chaos theory, suggested in 1972 that the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil might set off a tornado in Texas, implying that we can never know all the factors that determine our weather. At best we can only predict the details of the weather a few days ahead.
Chaos is a concept with many facets or aspects. It has several definitions that emphasize different aspects of chaos. No definition is complete. My talk will illustrate how focusing on different aspects of chaos leads us in different directions and results in a fuller understanding of chaos.”

*Reception to follow the lecture in EMS Building, E495

Sponsored by the Miriam and Morris Marden Fund, the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and the College of Letters & Science. For more information, contact math-staff@uwm.edu or (414) 229-4836.

Click here to see the event on the campus calendar.
Click here to see the event flyer.