Quote:
Originally Posted by pgrmdave
I think that math is not a science. I also think that it is inherent in nature, and exists whether or not there is somebody to count, as such, it would be 'discovered' rather than 'invented'.
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I agree with the going consensus here -- just like the Greeks thought, that Mathematics is discovered. This implies that Mathematics lives independent "out there".
I disagree with pgrmdave in thinking Mathematics is not a science. If Science is subscribing to the notions of Francis Bacon or "following" the Scientific Method as such, this means forming a hypothesis and working towards finding a conclusion. I would challange anyone to understand how Mathematics does Not do this. Of course it Does!
Read any theorem from Mathematics. Hypothesis, chug-chug-chug-to Conclusion. Now I agree I do feel uneasy everytime I see a Proof by Contradiction. If this is what prgmdave finds Unscientific then I am sympathetic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pgrmdave
Science, at least good science, follows the scientific meathod, while mathematics does not.
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Mathematics definitely does follow scientific method per se in that it does follow logic. Otherwise very little math would be done as no one could prove anything.
See above.
maddog
