Re: Is it our math letting us down?

Gregory L. Hansen wrote:
The math is a description of the physics. It quantifies the postulates of
a theory and allows us to make quantitative predictions from it, possibly
predictions that we wouldn't have suspected even at a qualitative level.

The way you wrote this gave me an insight into the real problem here.
Math is a set of operators, while equations are specific forms of the
operators put into use. Math does not describe physics, equations do.


Math is simply a basic set of rules, equations are specific forms of
the rules put into practice. Math does nothing to describe physics,
but equations do.

When talking about how math helps physics, we should be speaking
specifically about how equations help physics, not the mathematical
operators.

For example, multiplication is an operator. Multiplication by itself
is merely a concept with no application to physics. But create an
equation that involves multiplication, such as 1m * 1Hz = 1m/sec, then
we have something that applies to physics.

Number systems have little to do with mathematical physics.

I agree. Math is the rules for manipulating numbers. Numbers, math,
and equations are all different concepts with different orders of
reality. Equations are constructed from numbers and math, but numbers
and math are not constructed from equations.

This is consistent with the various orders of reality of subatomic
particles, atoms, and molecules. A molecule is a superset that
includes all three, but a subatomic particle does not include atoms or
molecules.

Dave

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Career advice needed.
    ... who post here semiregularly are full professors at math or physics ... provide help to a deserving aspiring student. ... I do know of several cases of a Math graduate program accepting ... study these prereqs on your own from books (by paying a yearly fee you ...
    (sci.physics.research)
  • Re: The physical motions of photons in free space!
    ... >the choice that "The rest frame of the ether is what ... The base to SR is a math base, ... Any physics equation, ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Physics versus Mathematics
    ...  Bend your math anyway you like. ... Go to the beach and see if a wave imparts some force. ... can't quite do the same for gravity. ... physic or what we describe as physics, ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: What Does SR stand For?
    ... Today, because of the evidence, no one could ... shown to be simple 3-D math. ... accordance with the equations of relativity. ... But we know that space exists and even in classical physics, ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • The Proper understanding of Modern Physics.
    ... The Proper understanding of Modern Physics. ... There is no desire to destroy the math of SR. ... The MMX disproved the ether. ... measurement, but we also had to then determine what ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)