Reality and its Double: Perspective Symmetries and Complex Numbers Between the Renaissance and Quantum Physics originates from the observation that two fundamental ingredients of quantum theory, complex numbers and probabilities, are both notable discoveries of the Renaissance. Is this just coincidence? Is there a significant relationship between the symmetries of the perspectiva pingendi in figurative space and the symmetries of the mathematical formalism of quantum physics? Or between the refinement of representational space made possible by linear perspective in art and by complex numbers in science? 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.

Reality and Its Double: Perspective Symmetries and Complex Numbers Between the Renaissance and Quantum Physics (ISA Topic)

ANGELINI, ANNARITA;LUPACCHINI, ROSSELLA
2009

Abstract

Reality and its Double: Perspective Symmetries and Complex Numbers Between the Renaissance and Quantum Physics originates from the observation that two fundamental ingredients of quantum theory, complex numbers and probabilities, are both notable discoveries of the Renaissance. Is this just coincidence? Is there a significant relationship between the symmetries of the perspectiva pingendi in figurative space and the symmetries of the mathematical formalism of quantum physics? Or between the refinement of representational space made possible by linear perspective in art and by complex numbers in science? 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.
2009
Angelini A.; Lupacchini R.
File in questo prodotto:
Eventuali allegati, non sono esposti

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/89178
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact