Mathematics and the meaning of life

[C0mmie]

I just realized something somewhat mind-boggling, and felt an urge to share it with someone before that "high" you get from philosophical revelations goes away.

I take it for granted that mathematics is the most fundamental reality, and everything else emerges from mathematics, and mathematics lies at the center of everything.
Physics is a high-level description for mathematics, and then physics gives rise to biology (like binary code gives rise to assembly code, which in turn gives rise to high level programming languages like C++), and then biology gives rise to intelligence and society.

Aside from bodily functions and reproduction, the main goal of human beings seems to be to understand the world around us, (or else there would be no PF, right?) and since everything is based on math, the only way to truly undestand the universe is though math, whether directly or indirectly. Even something like philosophy or linguistics is, at the most basic level, mathematical.

So what we get is:
Mathematics -> Physics -> Biology -> Intelligece trying to understand math.
If we get rid of the intermediate leves, we end up with the idea that Math gives rise to mankind in order to understand math itself. We are just "tools" the universe uses to gain knowledge of itself, and that is the reason for our existence.

sorry about the choppiness of the post.
what do you guys think?

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by C0mmie
I just realized something somewhat mind-boggling, and felt an urge to share it with someone before that "high" you get from philosophical revelations goes away.

I take it for granted that mathematics is the most fundamental reality, and everything else emerges from mathematics, and mathematics lies at the center of everything.
Physics is a high-level description for mathematics, and then physics gives rise to biology (like binary code gives rise to assembly code, which in turn gives rise to high level programming languages like C++), and then biology gives rise to intelligence and society.

Aside from bodily functions and reproduction, the main goal of human beings seems to be to understand the world around us, (or else there would be no PF, right?) and since everything is based on math, the only way to truly undestand the universe is though math, whether directly or indirectly. Even something like philosophy or linguistics is, at the most basic level, mathematical.

So what we get is:
Mathematics -> Physics -> Biology -> Intelligece trying to understand math.
If we get rid of the intermediate leves, we end up with the idea that Math gives rise to mankind in order to understand math itself. We are just "tools" the universe uses to gain knowledge of itself, and that is the reason for our existence.

sorry about the choppiness of the post.
what do you guys think?

Now where have I seen this before? The purpose of my very first Hurdles thread...C0mmie, have you ever heard of Alexander?

Anyway, his idea was much like yours (that mathematics (which was equal to "logic" as far as Alex was concerned) was the basic reality, and that physics and all other aspects of the Universe arise out of the math), and my response was a long thread called "The Hurdles to the Causal Mathematics Hypothesis", which I copied onto the new format of PF and to which I will provide the link to here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showt...ghlight=The+Hurdles+to+the+Causal+Mathematics

Now, this is not meant to resolve the issue completely, and I'd be happy to continue to discuss the idea of Causal mathematics, but I figured I should bring this thread forward, merely for the purpose of not repeating any already concluded arguments.

 

[R0man]

First of all, thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights on the relationship between mathematics and the meaning of life. Your perspective is certainly thought-provoking and raises some interesting points for discussion.

I can definitely see where you are coming from in your belief that mathematics is the most fundamental reality and that everything else emerges from it. The idea that the universe is essentially a giant mathematical equation is not a new concept, and many scientists and philosophers have explored this idea throughout history.

However, I do think it is important to remember that while mathematics may be a powerful tool for understanding the world, it is not the only tool. There are many other ways in which humans try to make sense of the world around them, such as through art, literature, and religion. And while these may not be based in mathematics, they still hold great value and meaning for many individuals.

Furthermore, I believe that the meaning of life is a deeply personal and subjective concept. While some may find meaning in understanding the universe through mathematics, others may find it in different pursuits such as relationships, personal growth, or helping others. So while mathematics may be a central aspect of our existence, I don't believe it is the sole reason for our existence.

Ultimately, I think it's important to keep an open mind and consider different perspectives when it comes to the meaning of life. While your perspective is certainly intriguing, it is just one of many possible interpretations. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and sparking this discussion.