The Science of Borges

The fantastical literature of Jorge Luis Borges is filled with alluring questions about how we see the world, which have inspired (and sometimes anticipated) the work of scientists for decades. In this course we will study and discuss different aspects of modern science using some of the magical short stories of the Argentinian writer. Our ultimate goal is to use Borges' work as a vehicle for discussing how our views of the world have been affected by the advances made by science in the last 100 years. In particular, we will discuss the foundations of disciplines such as cosmology, quantum theory, statistical physics, neuroscience, and computing, as well as mathematical concepts such as combinatorics and the idea of infinity, and other notions such as the concept of time.

Course leader

Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo

Target group

Undergraduated students (Sophomore, Junior and Senior)