A Passion for Mathematics 

Emotions—Aversions—Obsessions

Most people feel emotions toward mathematics that, according to Aristotle, are meant to be aroused by tragedy—namely, pity and fear. Pity for those who must struggle with mathematics, and fear that one might one day find oneself in this dangerous situation. 

— Paul Epstein (1883–1966) 

Only when one looks not at its external utility but at the relationship between the unused parts within mathematics itself does one perceive the other, true face of this science. It is not utilitarian, but uneconomical and passionate. (...) Mathematics is the luxurious courage of pure reason—one of the few such luxuries that exist today. 

- Robert Musil (1880–1942)

Even though the definitions, theorems, and proofs of mathematics may seem abstract and dry at first glance, they are nevertheless connected to emotions in a wide variety of ways, and a diverse range of topics can be found for the Rome seminar: 

• The Joy of Mathematical Beauty
• Passionate mathematicians and their obsessions
• The fascination with numerology and magic
• Causes and consequences of the widespread fear of mathematics 
• Feelings toward mathematics as reflected in literature 
• Can Emotions Be Described Mathematically? 
• Artificial Intelligence and Emotionality
• Emotions and Computers 

This seminar offers a unique opportunity to look beyond the confines of one’s own field of study and explore the historical and cultural background of mathematics and its relationship to other disciplines. 

• Phase I: Biweekly seminar sessions during the winter semester 11/12
• Phase II: Intensive course: March 5–10, 2012, in Rome