Mathematical truth is as real as the fact that we have one sun and seven continents, that a coin has two heads and that Pi is about 3.1415. That is, mathematical truth is as real as anything else. It's certainly as true as molecular biology! -tom On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 9:42 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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