We've all heard of the small world phenomenon—the idea that each one of us can be connected to everyone else through only "six degrees of separation." But where did this idea come from? Is it true? And if it is, what implications does it have for the problems of society? Duncan Watts sketches out a brief history of the small world problem, and discusses its relevance to a range of issues, from individuals searching for jobs to the cascade-like dynamics of cultural fads. He argues that understanding the modern world means understanding the structure of the networks in which we live, and how they drive our individual and collective behavior.

This lecture is held in conjunction with the CAS Initiative Age of Networks: Social, Technological and Cultural Connections which examines the workings of networks across the sciences, arts, and humanities.

Sponsored by: Center for Advanced Study

In conjunction with: Beckman Institute, College of Business, College of Law, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Anthropology, Department of Computer Science, Department of Sociology, Department of Speech Communication, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities, Neuroscience Program, Office of the Chancellor, Program in Science, Technology, Information, and Medicine, Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program