Mathematical thinking is not a skill that can duplicated by a computer. It requires creativity and ingenuity. An excellent example of this is the way in which Eratosthenes was able to measure the size of the earth in the third century BC. Armed with only a couple of observations, two measurements, and some elementary geometry, he was able to do the impossible. 17 centuries before Columbus sailed across the Atlantic, Eratosthenes knew how large the earth was with an error of only about 2%.
What's important about this experiment isn't that we know how large the earth is, but how Eratosthenes found it out. Its a perfect example of how one doesn't need a phD in math to accomplish amazing mathematical feats. What is important is the skill of seeing the world through mathematical, creative eyes.
The Shadows of Alexandria is now available in a DVD compilation of Zipheron short films in our on-line store.
Honors and Awards:
-Featured in the Deutsches Technikmuseum "mathema" exhibit, 2008-2009
-International Congress of Mathematicians "VideoMath" award, 1998
-Siggraph Electronic Theater 1995
-Premio Immagine '95, Milan
-Orropas 95 Computer Animation Festival, Tokyo
-Machida Museum Computer Animation Show, 1996
-Tokyo; "SuperQuark", 1996
-Italian Public Television, 1996
-"Metropolis", Television Espanola, 1996 |
