Is Mathematics Universal?

By Jon Therkildsen, MSc MBA from University of Århus (2004)

Yes.

Mathematics is abstract.

Abstract means it does not have or depend on a physical or concrete existence. And so, any physical existence, or location, or condition is irrelevant to mathematics.

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2 + 2 = 4

Always. Anywhere. Nowhere.

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And that makes it universal, by definition. Even in the absence of a universe, two plus two equals four.

Imagine a faraway alien civilisation. Chances are that we will agree on nothing, except mathematics. Sure, their sign for “+” or numbers may differ substantially, but the abstract truth behind Mathematics is in their culture too. Absolutely.

Everything else, is relative.

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Photos via Google

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