Is Mathematics Inherent in Nature or a Human Invention?

  • I
  • Thread starter akashpandey
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between mathematics and the laws of nature. The possibility is raised that mathematics describes the structures that could arise in all possible universes and is therefore an actual science. It is also noted that the logical relations of mathematics are objective and can be discovered, rather than created. The concept of the Mandelbrot set is used as an example of infinite complexity that is inherent in mathematics and can be discovered by humans.
  • #1
akashpandey
90
4
Why maths fit so priciously in our nature laws.
If it is created than why it is so fit ?.

Is maths was already in this universe from begning?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here is one possibility. Mathematics describes the structures that could arise in all possible universes. Assuming that each possible universe must at least be logically internally consistent, it will obey some sort of mathematics. Moreover, for a universe to support something "complicated" like life, the mathematical structures describing that universe will be "interesting".

This is partially why I view mathematics as an actual science - it is like studying the vast landscape of all structures that the human mind is capable of comprehending.

As for as whether mathematics is created or discovered, well, the logical relations of mathematics are objective, and that is all "real" has to mean. We discover these relations that were there, even if we had never thought of them. The structure of the Mandelbrot set is a good example - infinite complexity that is there even though we can never study all of it.

Update - it seems the same question is being considered here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-is-it-that-mathematics-describe-reality-so-well.873740/
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Closing this thread as philosophy is not allowed in the math forums.
 

FAQ: Is Mathematics Inherent in Nature or a Human Invention?

Is math invented or discovered?

There is a long-standing debate among mathematicians about whether math is invented by humans or simply discovered as a preexisting concept in the universe. Some argue that math is a human invention, while others believe that it is a fundamental truth that humans have the ability to discover.

Who invented math?

The concept of math has been developed and refined over thousands of years by many different civilizations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Chinese. It is impossible to attribute the invention of math to one specific person or culture.

How does math relate to the physical world?

Math is often used as a tool to describe and understand the physical world. It provides a way to quantify and measure things, as well as make predictions and solve problems. However, some argue that math is an abstract concept that does not necessarily have a direct correlation to the physical world.

Can math exist without humans?

Math is often considered to be a product of human thought and understanding. However, some argue that the rules and principles of math would still exist even without humans to discover or use them. Whether or not math could exist without humans is still a topic of debate.

Is there a right or wrong answer in math?

In many cases, there is a clear right or wrong answer in math, as it is based on logical reasoning and precise calculations. However, some areas of math, such as abstract or theoretical branches, may not have a definitive answer and are open to interpretation and debate.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
494
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
72
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Back
Top