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> Mathematics is unique in that, mostly, the field can achieve consensus on results, which we then call "proofs" Hard sciences are the same, yes? Water is two
by paulddraper 3y ago
> Mathematics is unique in that, mostly, the field can achieve consensus on results, which we then call "proofs"
Hard sciences are the same, yes?
Water is two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen.
- hnfong 3y agoThat's like claiming all historians agree that Hitler was born in 1889 ergo historians achieve consensus on results. If you study a broad range of subjects, you'd realize in mathematics the level of convergence is quite high relative to the other subjects, even the "hard" sciences. I wouldn't say it's 100% though.
- paulddraper 3y agoThe idea of mathematics posing a single objective truth is....mostly true but only mostly. E.g. Axiom of Choice, ZFC, constructivism. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... = -1/12 [1] [1] https://media.tenor.com/Mbl5heTtzDoAAAAC/obi-wan-kenobi-certain-point-of-view.gif https://media.tenor.com/Mbl5heTtzDoAAAAC/obi-wan-kenobi-cert...
- hnfong 3y agoOh, on that I totally agree. Math kind of lost me at the uncountable sets. Given the results from Gödel, the justification of law of excluded middle really needs a serious reconsideration. But that's why I'm not a mathematician. (I suspect this aspect of self-selection facilitates convergence, but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to almost all fields of study)