Is mathematics the same in other universes?

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of mathematics and logic being universal, even in other universes. The possibility of different societies using different measurement systems and base numbers is also mentioned. However, it is argued that the laws of physics in different universes may not follow the same logic and mathematics, and that the concept of an "other universe" may not even apply.
  • #1
Minus1
16
0
I was wondering, because mathematics is logical, its exists because of reasoning, not because of sorroundings, then surely it must be the same even if you live in another universe, 1+1=2, not because of daily experience but because of logic, you wouldn't expect to put two things together and expect 3 things to appear, just an interesting thought...please post your ideas and tell me if you think I am wrong or right
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
You don't have to go to another universe, just another society of intelligent organisms anywhere, as long as it developed independently of us. Our name for "2" is defined as the result that someone gets when they add 1 to 1, so that procedure would be the same for any intelligent beings, although they use a different language. However, they might do some things differently. They might measure points in space with spherical coordinates instead of rectangular. They might not use base 10.
 
  • #3
mikelepore said:
You don't have to go to another universe, just another society of intelligent organisms anywhere, as long as it developed independently of us. Our name for "2" is defined as the result that someone gets when they add 1 to 1, so that procedure would be the same for any intelligent beings, although they use a different language. However, they might do some things differently. They might measure points in space with spherical coordinates instead of rectangular. They might not use base 10.

But if we just for now,consider another universe, i mean according to string theory we're just one of an infinite amount of universes, and each universe has its own set pf physical laws, but because mathematics is logical, surely it would be the same in every other universe, hence the laws of physics would also be the same
 
  • #4
Minus1 said:
... because mathematics is logical, surely it would be the same in every other universe, hence the laws of physics would also be the same

No no. This definitely does not follow. The universal constants might be radically different in another universe; electrons might never orbit protons; there might be no atoms at all. There might be no gravity, etc.

Mathematics could still describe that universe, but it won't determine that universe.
 
  • #5
DaveC426913 said:
No no. This definitely does not follow. The universal constants might be radically different in another universe; electrons might never orbit protons; there might be no atoms at all. There might be no gravity, etc.

Mathematics could still describe that universe, but it won't determine that universe.


Ahh, I see where I was going wrong now, that was plainly obvious, but from all this it does still seem to follow that the mathematics would still be the same, if for example someone with sufficient mathematical knowledge was put in another universe, he would be able describe the laws of that universe quite well with the mathematics he already knows provided he was given the physical constants (and if he lived long enough)
 
  • #6
I don't see why mathematics and logic have to be the same in other universes. Just because we can't imagine it doesn't mean it isn't possible. However, just the phrase "other universe" assumes a lot, maybe the concepts needed to define a universe (time, space, existence etc.) don't need to apply either.
 

FAQ: Is mathematics the same in other universes?

Is mathematics a universal language in all universes?

No, mathematics is not necessarily the same in all universes. The laws and principles of mathematics may vary in different universes, just as other physical laws may differ.

Would the same mathematical concepts and equations apply in all universes?

It is possible that some mathematical concepts and equations may be the same in different universes, but it cannot be assumed that they will always be identical. Different universes may have different fundamental principles that govern mathematical concepts.

How do we know that mathematics is the same in other universes?

We cannot know for certain that mathematics is the same in other universes. As humans, we can only observe and understand the mathematics in our own universe. It is impossible to gather data or evidence from other universes to make a definitive conclusion.

Would other intelligent beings in other universes have a different understanding of mathematics?

It is possible that other intelligent beings in other universes may have a different understanding of mathematics. Their perception and understanding of the world may be vastly different from ours, leading to a different understanding and use of mathematics.

How would the laws of physics in other universes affect mathematics?

The laws of physics in other universes may have a direct impact on the mathematics used in those universes. For example, if the fundamental principles of space and time are different, it may lead to a different understanding and application of mathematical concepts such as geometry and calculus.

Back
Top