# Convert a philosophical statement to a mathematical formula?

1. Jan 12, 2010

### phnud

Is it possible to convert the statement 'Nothing matters' to a formula?

2. Jan 12, 2010

### HallsofIvy

There is no single "correct" way. In general, there is no way to change any non-mathematical statement into a mathematical equation (or other mathematical statement) without choosing a specific "model". And there are always an infinite number of ways of doing that.

3. Jan 12, 2010

### phnud

Can you possible steer me in the right direction for choosing a model? This is not my field. I am a writer briefly dipping his toe into an ocean of numbers.

4. Jan 12, 2010

### CRGreathouse

$$\mathcal{M}=\emptyset$$, where $$\mathcal{M}$$ is the set of things that matter.

5. Jan 12, 2010

### phnud

Thank you, CRGreathouse.

6. Jan 12, 2010

### Phrak

I would prefer symbolic logic over sets to mathematics,

For all x: x is an element of Things, it is not true that there exists an x with property Matters.

$$\forall x: x \! \in Things, \neg (\exists x \vee x \in Matters)$$

Besides, the upside down E's and A's are cool.

7. Jan 13, 2010

### phnud

I like it! They're very cool.

8. Jan 13, 2010

### disregardthat

Upside down E's ?

9. Jan 13, 2010

### Phrak

The existential operator typeset as an upside down 'E.

http://wapedia.mobi/math/XGV4aXN0c3t4fXtcaW59XG1hdGhiZntYfVwsIFAoeCk= [Broken]
It is not a mirrored 'E. Note the position of the middle bar.
The Mathfont used in PF does not do this justice.

Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2017