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by hijklmno on March 22nd, 2007

hijklmno

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Do mathematical objects (circles, sets, numbers, vector spaces, fractals, etc.) exist independently of the human mind? Or do they only exist as a result of humans inventing them?

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  • by bowlinggreen on April 21st, 2007

    bowlinggreen

    Humans named them, but the mathematical objects exist independently. They are seen in the many designs of nature. (pine cones, bubbles, snowflakes, etc.). Whether we see them or not, they are there. (that's my opinion)

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    • +4 to you. I'd agree with you to an extent... but I have to ask: *where* do pi, the empty set, infinitesimals and all the others actually exist. If they are independent, where are they?

      hijklmno

      by hijklmno on April 21st, 2007

    • Pi exists in every circle. I don't know about the rest. Math for me was a long time ago.

      bowlinggreen

      by bowlinggreen on April 21st, 2007

    • But that's my question - where is a *true* circle? We can only ever draw approximations. Mmm... I wish I knew the answer. lol

      hijklmno

      by hijklmno on April 21st, 2007

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