How do knowledge systems such as the Oxford English Dictionary conform to or change the way our brains function? Why are humans driven to categorize the world? In “Connecting the Dots: Making Meaning of the World” on Thursday Mar. 3, 7:30 p.m. at the UCLA Hammer Museum, National Book Award finalist James Gleick (“The Information: a History, a Theory, a Flood”) and Lera Boroditsky, UC San Diego professor of cognitive science who researches the relationships between mind, body, world and language, discuss the history and future potential of these ideas. Margaret Wertheim, science writer and co-director of the Institute for Figuring, moderates the discussion.
"Connecting the Dots" is in conjunction with "Hollywood is a Verb," a citywide, month-long initiative of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Public Library, looking at the Oxford English Dictionary through a contemporary Southern California lens.
The event is free, but tickets are required — one ticket per person — and are available at the Hammer box office one hour before the program. Early arrival is recommended. Hammer members receive priority ticketing (until 15 minutes before the program) by skipping the general admission line and can choose their seats, subject to availability. The program will also be available via livestream.
