The last few decades have seen tremendous interplay between modern geometry and postmodern physics. In a search for mathematical models of physics valid at very hight energies and very small distance scales, theoretical physicists have been led deep into such modern areas of geometry as differential topology and algebraic geometry. Guided by their attempts to construct realistic physical theories, they have postulated features of the geometry which were unknown to mathematicians. Dr. Morrison will introduce his audience to this fascinating area of investigation. Among the questions he will discuss: How many dimensions do we inhabit? Is the shape of the universe dictated by the nature of physical law? What can we learn about geometry by studying physics?
