12-24-2005, 03:35 AM
Hi,
Mathematics is a game in which one tries to arrive at final positions (AKA theorems) from initial positions (AKA axioms) by the application of a finite set of rules (AKA logic) in a finite number of moves. Some mathematics are isomorphic to some human endeavors (e.g., banking is completely described by a sub-domain of an algebra on the reals). But there is no reason why a mathematical system should have any relationship in a real universe. When Non-Euclidean geometry was first developed, it was totally abstract.
So, no, math is not a science. Different rules, different game.
--Pete
swirly,Dec 23 2005, 07:11 PM Wrote:Does that quote say that mathematics is not a science?[right][snapback]97957[/snapback][/right]Well, actually it implies it. But, yes, mathematics is not science, or at least not science in terms of exploring our universe and trying to understand it.
Mathematics is a game in which one tries to arrive at final positions (AKA theorems) from initial positions (AKA axioms) by the application of a finite set of rules (AKA logic) in a finite number of moves. Some mathematics are isomorphic to some human endeavors (e.g., banking is completely described by a sub-domain of an algebra on the reals). But there is no reason why a mathematical system should have any relationship in a real universe. When Non-Euclidean geometry was first developed, it was totally abstract.
So, no, math is not a science. Different rules, different game.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?