Can mathematics explain everything in our universe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Niaboc67
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion explores whether mathematics can explain all aspects of the universe, including consciousness and beauty. While some argue that everything describable is quantifiable, others contend that not everything can be reduced to mathematics. The conversation acknowledges that while mathematics plays a crucial role in understanding the universe, there are elements, like consciousness, that may exist beyond quantification. The distinction is made between the ability to quantify "things" and the existence of qualities that are unquantifiable. Ultimately, the thread emphasizes the philosophical implications of quantifiability in relation to the complexities of life and existence.
Niaboc67
Messages
249
Reaction score
3
Meaning, do you think that life and all its complexities can be explained by mathematics. From consciousness and beauty to the atoms and supernovas. Is this all mathematics and nothing more?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is everything quantifiable? I'd say yes (but only in theory, practically, the answer is no). Any "thing" that is describable as a "thing," is quantifiable. In other words, "things" are inherently quantifiable. If something is not quantified, (I'm not only talking about with math) then it doesn't qualify as a "thing."
(We create/define "things." However, my usage of the idea "every thing" probably differs from yours.)

Does that mean that this is all just mathematics and nothing more? Absolutely not.


How could all of this just be mathematics if mathematics is just a part of all of this?



EDIT:
I should have said, I do think there exists that which is beyond math/quantitativeness. So perhaps I should have just said "No"


P.S.
This is not physics
 
Last edited:
Interesting. I should have reworded this before. It goes without saying that everything can be asserted to possesses the ability to be counted, if it exists. Rather, beyond being able to be counted is there a quality un-quantifiable such as consciousness? Despite everything in the universe being mathematical in its observation do you (and others reading this) think there is something beyond the quantifiability of it all?
 
Topics that are purely philosophical with very little actual physics content, such as this, are not allowed in this forum.

Zz.
 

Thread 'Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?'

I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...
View full post »

Similar threads

High School Can I have $5 Million for my Knowledge
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Integrity of matter / space and time
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Does the Universe have a finite number of fundamentals to uncover?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Open problems in mathematical physics
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
High School Justification for emergent anything
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Is Mathematics Truly Limited by Physics?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Undergrad Density fluctuations and the color of the sky
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Programs Area to choose for my Master's thesis: theoretical physics/mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Can someone explain this statement on luminous transmittance?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Question about the Limitations of Physics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K