System to represent objects in Mathematics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how mathematicians communicate and represent mathematical concepts, particularly in relation to systems used in programming. Participants explore the roles of Category Theory and Set Theory in this context, seeking examples and clarifications on their applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that mathematics lacks a formal system akin to programming tools, relying instead on common notation and conventions.
  • Others argue that while Category Theory is abstract, Set Theory provides more detailed descriptions, although the metaphor of a book used to illustrate this may not be effective.
  • One participant emphasizes that mathematics is built upon foundational concepts like sets and arithmetic, and that communication in mathematics is not standardized across different branches.
  • Another participant raises the challenge of mapping mathematical statements to physical reality, questioning how to represent the behavior of a rocket mathematically.
  • Some participants propose that a structured approach similar to scientific experiments could be applied to mathematics, using categories like Algebra and Trigonometry to convey ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and nature of a formal system for mathematical communication. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed metaphors or the role of Category Theory versus Set Theory.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the ambiguity in defining what constitutes a "system" in mathematics and the varying conventions across different mathematical disciplines. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions and interpretations regarding the relationship between mathematics and physical phenomena.

  • #31
Mark44 said:
Based on some of your recent threads, you are not very far along in your mathematics studies.
Fortunately, @pairofstrings has given us his level of education (working on undergrad) in his profile. I really appreciate that. So many do not give any information. I would say that it is time for him to start including as many math classes as possible before he graduates.
 
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  • #32
FactChecker said:
I would say that it is time for him to start including as many math classes as possible before he graduates.
Strongly agree.
 
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  • #33
fresh_42 said:
##\mathcal{C}=\{\,(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}\,|\,x^2+y^2-1=0\,\}##

In the above, it should be ##(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2##.
 
  • #34
Okay. I want to be able to write equations and I am working towards it.

Thanks everyone.
 
Last edited:
  • #35
jonk75 said:
In the above, it should be ##(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2##.
Indeed. I corrected it, thank you.
 
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  • #36
pairofstrings said:
Okay. I want to be able to write equations and I am working towards it.
Which has nothing as far as I can see with what you said at the start of this thread:
pairofstrings said:
Usually, Computer Programmers use Flow Charts, Algorithms, or UML diagrams to build a great software or system. In the same manner, in Mathematics, what do Mathematicians use to build a great system that they want to build.
 
  • #37
pairofstrings said:
Okay. I want to be able to write equations and I am working towards it.
An important ingredient for writing something down is having something to say. If one has something to say and lacks a notation in which to say it elegantly, then it is time to worry about inventing notation.
 
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  • #38
pairofstrings said:
In short, I want to know the System in Mathematics that let's me communicate my ideas with other mathematicians.
If you want to communicate with other mathematicians, the first thing to do is to read their work and learn whatever is necessary to understand what they are saying. Don't expect millions of others to learn your system rather than you learning their standard, common language.
 
  • #39
FactChecker said:
Don't expect millions of others to learn your system rather than you learning their standard, common language.
And this existing language is the reason why we can talk here on PF literally around the globe. Physicists and mathematicians don't have the least difficulties to cooperate, at least no scientific obstacles. English is only the carrier wave, the messages are written in mathematics and everybody can understand them, regardless of any cultural background. Set theory, predicate logic and arithmetic must be quite strong tools already.
 
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