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To: KayEyeDoubleDee
Ah, mathematics: invention or discovery?
18 posted on 01/07/2002 8:54:21 AM PST by onedoug
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To: onedoug
invention or discovery

Please define these terms for us, if you would be so kind.

24 posted on 01/07/2002 8:59:57 AM PST by RightWhale
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To: onedoug
I think I'm paraphrasing, but who was it that said that God invented the cardinal numbers and everything else is a figment of man's imagination? Pascal maybe?
44 posted on 01/07/2002 9:39:02 AM PST by KayEyeDoubleDee
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To: onedoug
"Ah, mathematics: invention or discovery?"

I love this question!

I think math is an invention. I believe this because our math is very "imprecise". For example, the number (or value) psi is 3.14.........

It goes on forever. If our math system was accurate there should be a true, finite, value for the length of a circumference. After all, the circumference exists in merely 2 dimensions, but the best we can do is an approximation.

Likewise, the imaginary number i. This number contradicts fundmental real number characteristics, but is necessary to cover an embarrassing inconsistency, ie the square root of a negative number. It's duct tape applied to a leaky exhaust pipe.

And don't get me started on logrthyms, or natural "e". These numbers, although they work (roughly), bear no resemblance to the elegance manifest in every facet of the natural universe.

I believe this is the reason why no human manufacture will ever be perfect in the way a simple blade of grass is perfect. I also believe that language is another invention that likewise prevents us from approaching perfection.

Perfection will only ever be found in God.

64 posted on 01/07/2002 10:10:08 AM PST by Pietro
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