Calling a made up construct “the absolute truth” is hilarious
The way I see it, axioms and notation are made up but everything that follows is absolute truth
Axioms can be demonstrated. They don’t have to be purely theoretical.
Mass and Energy are axiomatic to the study of physics, for instance. The periodic table is axiomatic to understanding chemistry. You can establish something as self-evident that’s also demonstrably true.
One could argue that mathematics is less a physical thing than a language to describe a thing. But once you have that shared language, you can factually guarantee certain fundamental ideas. The idea of an empty set is demonstrable, for instance. You can even demonstrate the idea of infinity, assuming you’re not existing in a closed system.
You can posit axioms that don’t fit reality, too. And you can build up features of this hypothetical space that diverge from our own. But then you can demonstrate why those axioms can’t apply to this space and agree as such with whomever you’re trying to convey ideas.
When we talk about “absolute truth”, we’re talking about a point of universal rational consensus. Mathematics is a language that helps us extend subjective observation into objective conclusion. That’s what makes it a useful tool in scientific inquiry.
They’re made up constructs that reflect the absolute truth when applied correctly (from his perspective).
Well, it depends on your definition of truth and it could be the absolute truth by definition. A theorem is absolutely true in the same way that “a bachelor is an unmarried man” is categorically true.
“This line on the map is perpendicular to this other line on the map” is not a statement about the territory.
Math ain’t made up. Math is discovered.
I don’t think that’s a settled debate IIRC
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Math is a tool!
Your a tool!
❤️
…
you’re*
(I’m sorry T_T)
Only on my dad’s side!
Specifically, a language. It moves information from one place to another. It can reveal new information too, but that’s more of a useful side effect imo.
I do see where you’re going but I would consider language a tool for communication.
Agreed. A language is a specific sort of tool for codifying and transmitting information.
If someone needs another existental crisis here’s a prompt:
- Is math universal or is it a system of thought invented by humans and it only makes sense to us?
All I know is that
1 = 0.9999…Then how can it be Truth at all?
If
3 * 1/3 = 3/1 * 1/3 = 3/3 = 1And
1/3 = 0.3333…Then
0.3333… * 3 = 0.9999… = 1I know how it works, I’m asking how can something so offensive be a universal truth?
If you’re offended by truth, that sounds like a you problem.
The universe is not a nice place. It never was, and never will be. This universe is merely a proving ground for the strong to conquer, and the weak to perish. You either offend, or be offended.
Models. Humans hold models of the world in their minds, math helps you understand and create more complex and consistent models. You always exist in a simulation of your own construction to make sense of the universe.
My feeling is that no model can ever fully capture a complete description of reality, the information isn’t compressible to such a degree that approximations or abstractions can be lossless.
Most of what we consider to be invention is merely combinatoric novelty.
How we express math is particular to us, though it’d be commonly decipherable. Math is more and more globally standardized as more of it gets globally acknowledged as “the most useful” way to do math. E.g. place holder 0 vs Roman Numerals. Ratios are conceptually universal to any species that bothers measuring. Quantification maybe less so. Especially if their comprehension of advanced sciences/engineering is somehow intuitive instead of formally calculated.
If a space faring species has a concept of proportions/ratios, but not individual identity of numbers, presenting Meters as a portion of the speed of light might be a universal way discern the rest of our math. Water as Liters might be more accessible, depending on how they think of water.
Sets and Axioms are purely conceptually representative and so viable as long as they’re capable of symbolic abstraction at all.
Universal. How else would you calculate or solve equations?
Like our ancestors with goat entrails and a magic talking stick.
The rules are the same. Add 3 to 5 and you’ll always have 8. Geometric calculations can’t change how they work either. Etc.
Good thing physicists solved that problem already; if everything is made up and can only be observed through our preconceived notions and there’s no way to prove a world beyond them, then it doesn’t matter. The universe we can observe is reality and everything beyond that is beyond meaningful definition and is therefore useless, which is how we define “philosophy”.
You guys believe in objective reality?
I don’t understand this meme format. Are the speech bubbles the texts received or the texts sent? It looks like they’re typing, so could be both.
