Jordana Cepelewicz

Jordana Cepelewicz, math editor at Quanta Magazine who unpacks math history, tells the tangled origin story of Georg Cantor and infinity. She traces Cantor’s proofs of different infinities, the rise of set theory as math’s common language, and the publication intrigues and tensions with contemporaries that reshaped foundations. Short, dramatic, and full of historical twists.

Jordana Cepelewicz, Math editor at Quanta Magazine, dives into the evolving landscape of mathematics amidst AI advancements. She discusses how mathematicians are adapting to new tools, questioning if AI enhances or hinders creativity. The conversation delves into the philosophical beauty of proofs, likening them to cathedral building. Jordana also examines the role of large language models in education and the mixed feelings mathematicians have about AI—ranging from trepidation to collaboration opportunities.

Jordana Cepelewicz, a math editor at Quanta Magazine, guides listeners through the mind-bending world of infinity in mathematics. They discuss how different sizes of infinity can exist, revealing the surprising equivalence between odd and even numbers. The conversation touches on Cantor's diagonal argument and the complexity of set theory, showcasing the rich interplay of chaos and order in mathematical concepts. They even explore the connections between mathematics and literature, with a nod to Jorge Luis Borges, offering a fresh perspective on mathematical exploration.

Jordana Cepelewicz, a math editor at Quanta Magazine, joins host Samir Patel to discuss the remarkable achievements of 17-year-old Hannah Cairo, a high school prodigy making waves in harmonic analysis. They delve into Cairo's groundbreaking proof that debunked a 40-year-old mathematical mystery, the Mizuhata-Takeuchi conjecture. Despite her youth and unconventional education, Cairo's journey highlights the power of self-directed learning and collaborative innovation in math. The conversation showcases how fresh perspectives can challenge established norms and inspire future discoveries.

Jordana Cepelewicz, math editor and science journalist who traces the history of mathematical ideas, guides a deep dive into the Cantor–Dedekind story. Short scenes cover Cantor’s 1874 paper and controversies, Kronecker’s campaign, a researcher’s hunt for missing letters, the 1873 Dedekind proof discovery, and how myths about lone genius and credit shape math history.