I think mathematical truth is "real" in the sense that it is objective; it can be independently verified. Mathematicians talk about discovering mathematical truth rather than inventing it. We can build mathematical gadgets in a similar way to building devices, but there are laws that govern their behavior in much the same way that physics governs the devices' behavior. On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 10:42 AM, Dan Asimov <dasimov@earthlink.net> wrote:
If this common discussion subject among mathematicians has come up in math-fun previously, it must have been a while ago:
Is mathematical truth real? I was reminded of this question when I happened to sit next to an esteemed molecular biologist who has strong opinions on the matter: He thinks math is "all in the brain" of humans who think about it. I could not convince him that math has any kind of independent existence — though I certainly believe it myself.
What do other think about this? I would say that mathematical truth is *at least* as real of a thing as physical truth.
—Dan
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