Graham Farmelo, Visiting By-Fellow, Churchill College, Adjunct Professor of Physics at Northeastern University, Boston
Paul Dirac was arguably the first truly modern theoretical physicist. Initially trained as an engineer and a mathematician, he brought a unique perspective to the development of quantum mechanics, which he co-discovered in the 1920s. In this talk, I look at his development as a physicist and at some of his greatest contributions to science, including his famous equation, his successful prediction of antimatter and his work on the magnetic monopole. His reserved manner, never using a word where none would suffice, became legendary in the world of physics and I shall examine the influences that may have shaped his character during his X-rated childhood. Finally, I consider his commitment to what he called the religion of mathematical beauty, and its impact on contemporary theoretical physics.