Is Mathematics Inherent in Nature or a Human Invention?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the intrinsic relationship between mathematics and the laws of nature, asserting that mathematics is not merely a human invention but rather a fundamental aspect of the universe. It posits that mathematical structures exist independently and are discovered rather than created, as evidenced by the infinite complexity of the Mandelbrot set. The conversation highlights the objective nature of mathematical relations, suggesting that they are inherent to the universe and essential for understanding complex systems, including life itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical concepts such as infinity and complexity.
  • Familiarity with the Mandelbrot set and fractal geometry.
  • Basic knowledge of logical relations in mathematics.
  • Awareness of philosophical implications regarding the nature of mathematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties and applications of the Mandelbrot set in mathematics.
  • Research the philosophical debate on whether mathematics is discovered or invented.
  • Investigate the role of mathematics in describing physical laws in various scientific fields.
  • Examine the concept of mathematical structures in theoretical physics.
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, mathematicians, scientists, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of mathematics and its application to understanding the universe.

akashpandey
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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?
 
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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:
Closing this thread as philosophy is not allowed in the math forums.
 

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