Another math in another universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of mathematics in the context of parallel universes. Participants explore whether mathematical concepts are universal or if they could differ in alternate realities, particularly in relation to the origins and definitions of mathematical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if there are infinite parallel universes, then mathematical truths might vary across them, questioning if basic arithmetic could yield different results in those universes.
  • Another participant argues that mathematics is a human invention, created to describe the universe, and thus does not inherently exist outside of human understanding.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that while humans defined mathematical concepts, the underlying logic or relationships (like counting stars) existed prior to formal mathematical definitions.
  • Some participants contend that numbers and mathematical concepts were invented by humans, asserting that definitions such as "1 star" and "2 stars" are human constructs rather than universal truths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the nature of mathematics—whether it is an inherent aspect of the universe or a construct of human thought. No consensus is reached on the implications of mathematics in parallel universes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes philosophical considerations about the existence of mathematical concepts independent of human invention, which remain unresolved. Participants also reflect on the intuitive nature of mathematics versus its formal definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the philosophy of mathematics, the concept of parallel universes, and the relationship between human cognition and mathematical principles.

Saif Almazrouei
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Hey everyone.
I know it may sound just wrong, but i just thought about it... if it is true that there are unlimited number of parallel universes. and we have limited probabilities of the way things happen. and that means that all probabilities happen in some universes.
My question is: if math was created when our universe was created. Does that mean that in other universes math is different ( if we assume that they have such a thing as numbers and math )? and that maybe 7 times 5 is = 7 in their universe? and maybe that's why we can't describe these universes?
and sorry for the bad english XD
 
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Firstly, math was not created when the universe was created. Its a purely man made thing. It describes the wonders of the universe. but we invented math. Some guy a long, long time ago must have been looking at sheep or whatever and come up with the bright idea of counting them. Thus was math invented and falling asleep to counting sheep.
 
UncertaintyAjay said:
Firstly, math was not created when the universe was created. Its a purely man made thing. It describes the wonders of the universe. but we invented math. Some guy a long, long time ago must have been looking at sheep or whatever and come up with the bright idea of counting them. Thus was math invented and falling asleep to counting sheep.
yes sure. but it mean the concepts of math is there in the universe even before mankind. for example a star and a star are two stars. so then people described it as 1+1=2 but the concept is there before we know what is math. so i am talking about the concept of math or what we can call it ( The mathematical logic ).

thanks for your reply :)
 
No. The concept of math was introduced by us. This stuff about 1 star, 2 stars etc. what does it mean. What does the number 1 represent? We defined the number 1. And 2, and three and so on. So, in another universe, if it exists, for us, 1 star will still be 1 star. so 1 star + 1 star will be two stars. 1+1=2. Mathematical Logic was also created by us.
Sure, its funny that so many things in the universe follow these mathematical concepts we have invented- planets go around the Earth in elliptical orbits, the Earth is almost spherical, nachos are triangular. But that's because we observe and we say, this shape is a circle. And then we formalise it mathematically by giving it an equation. That definition of what a circle is, of its equation- that was created by us. It didn't just exist.
Its difficult to grasp that math was invented because we are born with an intuition for maths, so we think it existed before. But maths was invented. Numbers were invented. Geometry, calculus, algebra, set theory, number theory etc etc. All invented by humans.
 
I think UA's last post is a good place to end this thread since it's heading down the road to philosophical oblivion. Thread locked.
 
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