Compassion as Composition

Abstract: We propose that categorical notions can be wielded to facilitate the “Yes, and…” experience as a tool for collaborative sense making, as we explore mathematical ideas and communicate our insights. Far from forbiddingly remote abstractions, categorical notions ground our emerging sense of unfamiliar terrains in relational thinking, which interacts constructively with the narratives that populate our mental universe. In this talk we will grapple with ambiguity and co-create mutually reinforcing stories that carry meaning. The resulting experiences help situate mathematical ideas beyond the largely contingent symbols we use to express them.

Computer scienceMathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

( video )

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Relatorium seminar

Series comments: The name "Relatorium" combines "relator" with the Latin root "-ium," meaning "a place for activities" (as in "auditorium" or "gymnasium"). This seminar series is a platform to relate ideas, interact with math, and connect with each other.

In this series, we explore math beyond what we usually hear in standard talks. These sessions fall somewhere between a technical talk and a podcast: moderately formal, yet conversational. The philosophy behind the series is that math is best learned by active participation rather than passive listening. Our aim is to “engage and involve,” inviting everyone to think actively with the speaker. The concepts are accessible, exploratory, and intended to spark questions and discussions.

The idea of relatability has strong ties to compassion — creating space for shared understanding and exploration - which is the spirit of this seminar! This is a pilot project, so we’re here to improvise, learn, and evolve as we go!

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