2006-08-11 12:19:52 · 5 answers · asked by berto 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Interesting question. I'd say that nature would probably exist even if we didn't. If you mean by mathematics the rational appreciation of patterns, then certainly it's a product of human intelligence. If you mean "would the patterns exist without us there to recognize them?" Again I would have to say yes. Does mathematics exist only to study nature? No--just look at number theory. Mathematics can study itself. Then again, since mathematics is a product of humanity, and humanity is a product of nature...
If you are asking whether the natural world is a great puzzle set by some supernatural quizzmaster, I'd have to say probably not.
2006-08-11 12:26:51 · answer #1 · answered by Benjamin N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, a good question. Here is the correct answer.
There is a mathematical model called a Venn diagram. Think of this technique as I explain.
Biology is a specialized part of Chemistry
Chemistry is a specialized part of Physics
Physics is a specialized part of Mathematics
Mathematics is the mother of all knowledge. Think of Steven Hawking. He is constantly searching for a mathematical equation to express the universe... the elusive "Theory of Everything".
2006-08-11 21:09:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, and not vice versa. Math wasn't created to understand the universe either. Science was. Math was created to communicate (which includes thinking) and facilitate knowledge about the universe.
2006-08-11 19:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Math is a part of nature. Just as biology, and astromony is. Math does help understand nature.
2006-08-11 19:38:00 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most mathematicians think that mathematics exists separately from the universe.
I can come up with many models that do not apply to the universe yet i can still explore them.
2006-08-11 19:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋