Dane Meade of UIC : What *is* a number, really?

Posted by Gregory Taylor , part of the MATH Club.

At

Sept. 30, 2026, noon

In

1227 SEO

Abstract

In mathematics, we contend with very abstract ideas. Shapes, numbers, functions, algebraic structures, and many more. One is inclined to wonder if these things really exist, or if we're just playing word games. In this talk, we will explore a certain way to formally construct a few number systems using basic set theory, and in so doing, investigate how mathematicians reckon concretely with abstract objects.

Pizza will be served.