Is Mathematics Universal?

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

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.

2 + 2 = 4

Always. Anywhere. Nowhere.

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

 
ScienceJon TherkildsenScience explained, Mathematics, mathsComment