Alex,

What exists in the case that we assume something already exists? If it is something physical, then how do you make the world purely 'mathematical'? That is, a physical thing that is fundamental (i.e., it's existence is not explained by mathematics since it just happens to exist) cannot itself follow any rules, otherwise those rules would be more fundamental. At best all you can say is that our mathematics is a rough approximation and nothing more (just coincidence).

However, if there are real [mathematical] rules, then the rules are more fundamental. In that case, you have the same problem all over again where the rules are built upon axioms and you should explain where the axioms came from (since you obviously have an established relationship between axioms and theorems of math.

Warm regards, Harv

• For the first time Harv.... - smartguy - August 31, 2001 - 17:40 UTC
  • Ad infinitum - harvey1 - August 31, 2001 - 18:24 UTC