Re: AETHER / OR

From: shevek (shevek4_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 12/29/04 

Date: 29 Dec 2004 13:13:31 -0800

robert j. kolker wrote:
> >
> >
> > To me mathematics represents one of the highest levels of truth
> > possible.
>
> Nonsense. Mathematics is about logical inference from axioms (or
> postulates) not about truth. Truth is a property of a proposition
that
> asserts a fact. The best you can say is that it is true that such and

> such is a proof of a theorem.
>

Well I knew I shouldn't have mentioned that in my defense of 19th
century physics..

Anyway, what is it about mathematical statements that make them not
worthy of "propositions that assert facts" ? You can also say it is
true that such and such a theorem is true. For example, it is true
that there are infinitely many prime numbers. How is this any less
true than a statment like most of the mass in material is concentrated
in atomic nuclei?

>
> > If you can prove a theorem to me, so that I understand it,
> > that is more convincing than your story of an experiment that I
have
> > not yet duplicated. But basically I agree with you in terms of the
> > tools and the ideas (theories).
>
> I can prove theorems about things that don't exist, like infinite
sets.
> So what? What does this have to do with the -facts- out there in the
world?
>

They are facts out there in the world, aren't they? (theorems about
infinite sets) Sure, they may be next to useless but there is still
truth in them.

> Physics is an empirical science. Mathematics is a handy hammer or
> screwdriver that physicists use to do their science.
>

Mathematics is also an empirical science. As a simple experiment, draw
one circle on your paper, then draw another. Note that there are now
two circles. This type of experiment is the basis of arithmetic.
Scientists use all such tools available to them.

CHeers -

Relevant Pages

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