How can math prove anything?

[Windevoid]

How can math prove anything?

 

It is an extension of the mind. It can't say what reality does without doubt. It just says what other people have seen, probably only a few cases. As far as I know, it is not made up of rigorous study of every detail, it is just blanket statements.

[Daedalus]

How can math prove anything?

 

It is an extension of the mind. It can't say what reality does without doubt. It just says what other people have seen, probably only a few cases. As far as I know, it is not made up of rigorous study of every detail, it is just blanket statements.

 

You are confusing mathematics with science. In math, we can make statements such as theorems that can be proved. The Pythagorean theorem is one such example. Science uses math to construct theories, which can be falsified. Thus, math is a tool used by scientists to make quantitative predictions regarding the behaviour of physical phenomena.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Daedalus

[Windevoid]

 

You are confusing mathematics with science. In math, we can make statements such as theorems that can be proved. The Pythagorean theorem is one such example. Science uses math to construct theories, which can be falsified. Thus, math is a tool used by scientist to make quantitative predictions regarding the behaviour of physical phenomena.

So, I guess that means math can't prove anything, just predict things.

[Daedalus]

So, I guess that means math can't prove anything, just predict things.

 

Well, it can be used to prove more complicated mathematical statements. As for science, math just predicts things and provides the means to model reality. As we make better measurements and observations, we are able to derive better mathematical models that make more accurate predictions.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Daedalus

[Windevoid]

 

Well, it can be used to prove more complicated mathematical statements. As for science, math just predicts things and provides the means to model reality. As we make better measurements and observations, we are able to derive better mathematical models that make more accurate predictions.

Nice answer. I get few of those.

[Daedalus]

Nice answer. I get few of those.

 

You're welcome

[Phi for All]

So, I guess that means math can't prove anything, just predict things.

 

Actually, math is the only place you'll really find "proof" of anything. For science, theory is never complete, it's always looking for better and better explanations, building on what has come before. When someone claims they have "proved" something to be true, they're violating the very heart of science, the never-ending search for the best explanation.

 

When it's theory, you keep looking. When it's "proven" you stop looking. We should never stop looking.

[Windevoid]

 

Actually, math is the only place you'll really find "proof" of anything. For science, theory is never complete, it's always looking for better and better explanations, building on what has come before. When someone claims they have "proved" something to be true, they're violating the very heart of science, the never-ending search for the best explanation.

 

When it's theory, you keep looking. When it's "proven" you stop looking. We should never stop looking.

Did you read what Daedalus said?

Edited July 26, 2013 by Windevoid

[Daedalus]

Did you read what Daedalus said?

 

I'm sure Phi for All did read what I wrote. He was just clarifying my explanation and emphasizing the finer points.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Daedalus

[Windevoid]

 

I'm sure Phi for All did read what I wrote. He was just clarifying my explanation and emphasizing the finer points.

Oh, made a mistake. I looked at it from the wrong angle, that's all. You're right.

[Phi for All]

 

I'm sure Phi for All did read what I wrote. He was just clarifying my explanation and emphasizing the finer points.

 

You have a very easy style to read, and you're one of the most informative members we have. Your explanations need no clarification or emphasis, but you're gracious to say so.

 

My post was just to point out a common misconception, that science is looking to "prove" things. It's not so much about answers as it is about explanations.

[Daedalus]

You have a very easy style to read, and you're one of the most informative members we have. Your explanations need no clarification or emphasis, but you're gracious to say so.

Thank you Phi for All

[ajb]

How can math prove anything?

You can prove statements in mathematics with mathematics. The question of how the mathematics applies to nature is another question...

[Windevoid]

You can prove statements in mathematics with mathematics. The question of how the mathematics applies to nature is another question...

That's what I was getting at.