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Math and Physics

 


puredazzle
Many posts refer to paradoxes and I'd like to make some general comments here.

The Achilles paradox is reduced to an infinite series whose sum "is finite". This remains true in math paradigm alone as energy per infinitesimal step of space is never considered or coming into the picture. So a neat integration on dx integrates to a finite x is a
mere notion bereft of reality. Here the infinitesimal dx is a valid axiomatic notion within
the math paradigm.

1) If the problem is taken to the physical paradigm it differs (thus does not remain the same problem) because per infinitesimal step an infinitesimal energy (due to motion) is associated with the step. Here the infinitesimal energy may be an INVALID axiom; first nature must be investigated to demonstrate such infinitesimal energies. Until then no assumption of it's continuum can be taken as a starter (or axiom).

2) Physical steps can sum to finite energies. This is got by assuming discrete space with discrete jumps from one step to another accompanied by finitely small quantum of energy. The sum is then physically finite.

Which of 1) or 2) is correct is a matter to be resolved in reality investigations. The correct physical axiom can then be used to build a math base.

Such a stance bepeaks of a potential demise of differential calculus in representing "truth" and that it generates differential equations mimicking reality must be a fluke; stated otherwise mathematic results mimic reality only approximately. See:

http://www.dc.uba.ar/people/profesores/becher/ns....
by G. Chaitin (the Omega man).
The axiomatic basis of mathematics when used to represent reality must be based on real cognizable axiomatic entities of the Universe. Using, say, discrete manifold topology would be considered a fair starting point to build a math genuinely representing reality after experiments reveal (if at all) that space is discretized (as suggestive of string theory). For Plank length and time see and http://superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html

Lastly, the A and B series of Julian Barbour's "no time hypothesis" is seen here:

http://www.evcforum.net/cgi-bin/dm.cgi?action=msg...
indicative that time could be a (mere) human construct.

It is then possible that motion is energy manifested onto the illusion of space and that the Universe exists as different states corresponding to entities having energy, consciousness and free will all together as attributes of entities existing as events.
Bikerman
puredazzle wrote:
Many posts refer to paradoxes and I'd like to make some general comments here.

The Achilles paradox is reduced to an infinite series whose sum "is finite". This remains true in math paradigm alone as energy per infinitesimal step of space is never considered or coming into the picture. So a neat integration on dx integrates to a finite x is a
mere notion bereft of reality. Here the infinitesimal dx is a valid axiomatic notion within the math paradigm.

1) If the problem is taken to the physical paradigm it differs (thus does not remain the same problem) because per infinitesimal step an infinitesimal energy (due to motion) is associated with the step. Here the infinitesimal energy may be an INVALID axiom; first nature must be investigated to demonstrate such infinitesimal energies. Until then no assumption of it's continuum can be taken as a starter (or axiom).

2) Physical steps can sum to finite energies. This is got by assuming discrete space with discrete jumps from one step to another accompanied by finitely small quantum of energy. The sum is then physically finite.

Which of 1) or 2) is correct is a matter to be resolved in reality investigations. The correct physical axiom can then be used to build a math base.

1 and 2 are not exclusive.
Quote:

Such a stance bepeaks of a potential demise of differential calculus in representing "truth" and that it generates differential equations mimicking reality must be a fluke; stated otherwise mathematic results mimic reality only approximately. See:

http://www.dc.uba.ar/people/profesores/becher/ns....
by G. Chaitin (the Omega man).

The link does not work for me. However, a couple of points leap out.
1) Differential calculus is simply a technique within math which is itself a formal language which is used to model reality. The word 'truth' has no place in this context and is a straw man. I note that you put it in quotes but even so it is misleading as no scientist would claim 'truth' for his/her models.
2) The idea that models using calculus 'must be a fluke' does not follow logically and is, in fact, a non-sequeter. The second part is more acceptible - mathematical results are only approx to reality...
Quote:

The axiomatic basis of mathematics when used to represent reality must be based on real cognizable axiomatic entities of the Universe. Using, say, discrete manifold topology would be considered a fair starting point to build a math genuinely representing reality after experiments reveal (if at all) that space is discretized (as suggestive of string theory). For Plank length and time see and http://superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html

Nothing controversial or new here.
The fact that models are not themselves reality is well understood and accepted by science and scientists. The best summing up I know is
'the map is not the territory'.
Science does not rely on mathematical constructs of reality in isolation - no hypothesis can ever be completely accepted as theory until there is some experimental or observational support for it.
The use of manifold topology in modelling is an interesting field. The Atiyah-Singer theorem, for example, is used to map possible solutions onto multi-solution differential systems and is well understood.
Quote:

Lastly, the A and B series of Julian Barbour's "no time hypothesis" is seen here:

http://www.evcforum.net/cgi-bin/dm.cgi?action=msg...
indicative that time could be a (mere) human construct.

Again, the link does not work for me so I can't comment on the specific hypothesis. The site is the 'evolution vs creationism' forum which immediately causes some alarm bells to ring in my head.
Quote:

It is then possible that motion is energy manifested onto the illusion of space and that the Universe exists as different states corresponding to entities having energy, consciousness and free will all together as attributes of entities existing as events.


I cannot follow that leap - presumably it relies on the 'Barbour' hypothesis ?

Chris
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