Why does math work? Is it the longest ongoing illusion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of mathematics, questioning its validity, applicability, and philosophical implications. Participants explore whether mathematics is an absolute truth, a human construct, or something that could potentially be disproven. The conversation touches on both theoretical and philosophical aspects of mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Philosophical
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the foundational reasons behind the workings of mathematics, questioning why it is accepted as a truth.
  • One participant argues that mathematics is unique because it can provide absolute proofs, citing that 2+2=4 is a logical certainty.
  • Another participant suggests that mathematics is internally consistent and does not need to prove anything beyond that.
  • There is a viewpoint that mathematics was developed as a tool to describe the real world, arising from human experiences, such as counting.
  • One participant refers to an "ultimate question" related to Einstein's work, implying a deeper, possibly unanswerable inquiry that mathematics might not address.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the discussion, suggesting that it lacks focus and clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of mathematics. Some argue for its absolute nature, while others view it as a human construct. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the philosophical implications of mathematics and its potential limitations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of clarity and focus in their arguments, with some acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the need for further exploration of foundational concepts.

IHazQuestions
I know 1+1=2, and I know that numbers go from 0-9 and repeat until infinity, but why does this work? Why does it make sense, and why do we have faith in it so much? What I'm getting at is, could mathematics just be waiting to be disapproved, or is math trying to answer the ultimate question?
 
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I have no idea what you mean by "ultimate question". Mathematics is unique amongst the sciences because it is the only one where proof can be absolute. 2+2=4 because it's a logical absolute.
 
IHazQuestions said:
I know 1+1=2, and I know that numbers go from 0-9 and repeat until infinity, but why does this work? Why does it make sense, and why do we have faith in it so much? What I'm getting at is, could mathematics just be waiting to be disapproved, or is math trying to answer the ultimate question?

This strkes me as philosophy carried to absurdity

Math is internally consistent and that's all it needs to be and all it ever claims to be.
 
There is no way math can be disproved. (it can only be shown inconsistent).

The thing you're getting at is why math can be applied to the real world. The answer is simple. We made math that way. Math came to existence because of our experience to the real world. It came into existence when cavemen noticed that we can count things. So math applies to the real world because we have made it that way.

I also would like you to expand on the "ultimate question". Of course math can't answer everything. This would be silly to expect. But you can still do a lot with it.
 
I am aware I was all over the place in my post, when I said the ultimate question I was referring to what Einstein was trying to solve when he died. I suppose the question is some series of equations that only he could comprehend.

Regarding math, I feel that it is waiting to be proven inconsistent, I suppose I would need a break down of why these symbols we call numbers mean, what they mean. I'm off the deep end here, I hope you have some idea of what I'm talking about
 
This thread is silly. IHazQuestions you should research the topic before posting and make sure you are concise in future.
 

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