4 ms·
Mathematics is a human language. It reflects the human mind, as well as the human condition, and has already been shown to be less than universal (i.e. that the
by jimfl 18y ago
Mathematics is a human language. It reflects the human mind, as well as the human condition, and has already been shown to be less than universal (i.e. that there are true statements which cannot be arrived at via method of proof given axioms).
Human mathematical intercourse is generally couched in cliche (since most humans aren't particularly fluent), and is shot through with concepts that other advanced civilizations are likely to find violently stupid (e.g. infinity).
- jimfl 18y agoAlso, Humans and Chimpanzees are very similar, and yet we can't use the universal language of mathematics to communicate with them. Dolphins and Octopus are akin to us in intelligence; no spikka math. Alien lifeforms are likely to be order of magnitude radically different from us protein self-assembling macromachines, with a different body plan, and different perception mechanisms, to the point where we might not even recognize them as lifeforms. It does not stand to reason that they would be able to make anything of our chirps and whistles.