Perspective Symmetries and Complex Numbers between Renaissance and Quantum Physics.
Organizers: Prof. Annarita Angelini (Department of Philosophy, University of Bologna) & Prof. Rossella Lupacchini (Department of Philosophy, University of Bologna)
Research object: The Reality and its Double. Perspective Symmetries and Complex Numbers between Renaissance and Quantum Physics intends to investigate the "virtuous circle" bringing together, round a magic conceived as a "probability amplitude", magicians of representation (perspectivi) and magicians of calculus, from Cardano’s or Bombelli’s ars magna to quantum computation.
In a comprehensive knowledge framework, where the imaginary and the possible are granted scientific dignity, the aim is to search for a path connecting Leonardo’s or van Eyck’s perspective symmetries to quantum probability amplitudes. The junction is marked by complex numbers, the most relevant result of the Renaissance mathematics; they were discovered in a context of ludus and challenge by a group of mathematicians related to the University of Bologna. Apparently, already in the early XVI century, mathematicians and artists were aware of concepts and methods which would become fundamental ingredients of quantum physics. And yet those scientists did not use their "inventions" in the context of the official science, but rather in the context - epistemologically freer - of "art", either the art of painting or the art of calculus.
Activities: A dense program of events is planned for 2009, including a series of Spring lectures on Perspectival Symmetries and Complex Numbers as well as an international conference and exhibition on The Art of Science arranged to take place in the Autumn. A modern edition of Mathematical Duels (1547-1560) will also be prepared for publishing (in Italian and in English). Besides other institutions based in Bologna, such as the Academy of Arts, these activities will involve foreign partners like the University of Oxford and the University of Singapore (NUS).