Re: Existence of mathematical entities (Re: Successor Axiom: on what grounds TF?)

examachine_at_gmail.com
Date: 02/19/05 

Date: 19 Feb 2005 14:46:36 -0800

R-matrix wrote:
> On 7 Feb 2005 19:37:38 -0800, examachine@gmail.com wrote:
> >I am a computer scientist. We use integer formulas to calculate the
> >efficiency of our programs. I say a particular algorithm takes
O(n^2)
> >time. Does the f(n)=n^2 function "exist"?
>
>
> Think of the written equations of physics as words for objects. The
> principles that define the grammar of mathematics appear to *also*
> define physical reality. The "words" of the language of mathematical
> physics are indeed manmade contrivances, and the functions that they
> tell us to do are just instructions, but the reality to which they
> point are (it seems) principles that underlie the physical universe,
> and those principles appear to be mathematical principles. However,
> being an agnostic here I concede this might be an "optical illusion,"
> but I tend to weigh on the side of mathematical realism.

Could you please explain what agnosticism has anything to do with
philosophy of mathematics?

Regards, 

--
Eray

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