BPML: The mathematics of finding a consensus - or failing to do so - Dr Galane Luo
- Location
- Watson Building - Lecture Theatre A (G23), Zoom - registration required
- Dates
- Wednesday 19 October 2022 (19:00-20:00)
Dr Galane Luo
Finding an agreement on anything is difficult, and sometimes impossible. But in the clean, beautiful world of mathematics, we can easily construct artificial systems where a population of agents continually “change their minds” according to some law of interaction with neighbours and, without any awareness of an overall aim to agree on anything, end up forming a consensus anyway. As it turns out, some laws of interaction are better than others at bringing about an agreement. Join me in this public lecture as we delve into the mathematics of consensus formation and discover what these artificial systems of social dynamics can teach us about agreeing – or failing to agree – in the real world.
The Birmingham Popular Maths Lecture series runs in the Watson Building (School of Mathematics) on the last Wednesday of each month, arriving from 18:30 onwards for a 19:00 start. We will also be showing the lecture live on Zoom for those that are unable to attend the lecture.
To watch the lecture on Zoom you will need to register using the link above. If you plan on attending the lecture in person there is no need to register. Please note that attendees in the lecture theatre will be given priority for the Q&A, but some questions will be taken from Zoom.
The Birmingham Popular Mathematics Lectures are open to all members of the public and the University who are interested in the study of Mathematics. They are particularly suitable for those studying Mathematics at A Level and we also welcome advanced GCSE students. Young people are welcome on their own, with parents or with a school group.