‘A New Kind of Science’

Stephen Wolfram to speak at IUB

Wolfram will discuss key ideas and discoveries from his book, A New Kind of Science, published last May.

Starting from a few computer experiments, Wolfram has spent more than 20 years developing a new approach to science. Basic to his approach is the idea of studying the rules embodied in the simplest computer programs. A key discovery is that such rules can lead to behavior showing immense complexity and mirroring many features seen in nature.

Wolfram has built upon this theory to tackle an array of fundamental problems in science, from the origins of apparent randomness in physical systems, to the development of complexity in biology, the ultimate scope and limitations of mathematics, the possibility of a truly fundamental theory of physics and the character of intelligence in the universe.

The lecture will be sponsored by IU’s Pervasive Technology Labs and the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology.