Re:Where is π today? The nature of the mathematical universe
by n4r9 on Thursday May 09, 2019 @06:12AM
(#19866821)
Even at atomic scales there are always minor distortions due to external influences. For example, although the shape of an electron s-orbital is said to be a sphere, the only way this could theoretically be a perfect sphere is if the atom is and always has been completely isolated from all external fields and forces.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:Where is π today? The nature of the mathematical universe
by elvecinodeabajo on Thursday May 09, 2019 @02:40PM
(#19870928)
Re:Where is π today? The nature of the mathematical universe
by elvecinodeabajo on Thursday May 09, 2019 @02:40PM
(#19870919)
Circles exist in nature. You can deny it, but it isn't true.
Now go with your atomic imperfections and external influences and take a nap, because it must be exhausting to be so repellent.
Re:Where is π today? The nature of the mathematical universe
by n4r9 on Wednesday May 15, 2019 @05:40AM
(#19917759)
I'm sorry for being dismissive but you threw a barrage of contentious examples at me without really trying to engage with my point.
The way I see it, the circle is an abstract idea which resides within the language that we use to share our understanding about the patterns we observe in the external world. Those patterns may conform to the abstraction to varying degrees but they are fundamentally not the same thing. Mathematics is a very precise and formal way to communicate this type of knowledge, but that doesn't mean the ideas therein exist objectively. This contrasts with the views of someone like Max Tegmark, who has the impression that the universe is inherently mathematical.