NOVA Season 51 Episode 23 Zero to Infinity

Zero to Infinity is the twenty-third episode in season 51 of the NOVA series. This episode focuses on the fascinating world of mathematics and the concept of infinity. It takes viewers on a journey through the history of mathematics, exploring how infinity has been perceived and understood over the years. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day mathematicians, the show highlights some of the most significant breakthroughs in math that have shaped our understanding of infinity.

The episode begins by exploring the ancient Greek concept of infinity. At the time, infinity was considered to be a dangerous and mysterious concept that shouldn't be pursued by mathematicians. However, Greek mathematician Zeno of Elea had a different view and used the concept of infinity to develop his paradoxes. Through exploring the puzzles he developed, the show takes viewers through an intricate look at the paradoxes of Achilles and the tortoise and the Dichotomy paradox.

After the ancient Greek era, the show looks into the Renaissance period, where infinity was seen as a gateway to the divine. This led to a significant shift in how infinity was perceived and understood. The period saw the introduction of symbols like the infinity symbol, and there was a greater acceptance of the concept, both in mathematics and beyond.

The show then moves on to the 17th century and the introduction of calculus. One of the most significant developments in the history of mathematics, calculus was a game-changer for understanding infinity. Since it was introduced by famous mathematicians like Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, calculus has been used to make impressive strides in various disciplines, including physics, engineering, and economics. The show explores how calculus helped refine the idea of infinity, making it a concept that could be worked with and understood mathematically.

The episode then looks at the 20th century and the introduction of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. These revolutionary concepts upended traditional ideas about the nature of the cosmos and showed that there was a bizarre relationship between space, time, and infinity. The show explains how the theory of relativity helped solidify the concept of infinity in physics and paved the way for modern ideas like black holes and time travel.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion of some of the most cutting-edge research in mathematics, which is exploring the limits of infinity. The episode talks about how recent developments have allowed mathematicians to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of infinity, and how they are using this understanding to push the boundaries of mathematics.

Overall, Zero to Infinity is a fascinating, thought-provoking episode that explores one of the most elusive concepts in mathematics. By charting the history of infinity and explaining how it has been understood and used throughout the ages, the show sheds light on the fascinating world of math and the big ideas that have shaped our understanding of the universe. For any viewers interested in math or science, this episode is sure to be an engrossing, enlightening experience.