Can we know anything absolutely?

[warpspeedpetey]

The application of math to real-world problems is a different issue from pure math.

What? applied mathematics is a set of all mathematics. Since Godel showed that no system of axiomatic mathematical theories can be proven. I don’t see how applied mathematics escapes that fate.

My proposal that mathematics represents absolute truth refers just to mathematics, exactly as I stated. 2+2=4 remains true even in an empty universe which contains nothing to count. Math does not depend upon relevance. It is true irrespective of God’s or man’s ability to discover it.

That’s not the case

look here mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/52291.html

Let’s begin with your assertion that “You can’t ‘invent’ 1 + 1 = 2; it
just does.”

On the contrary,

 1 + 1 = 0                       in mod(2) arithmetic

 1 + 1 = 10                      in base(2) arithmetic

 1 + 1 = 1                       in Boolean arithmetic

 1 + 1 = [an arbitrary value]    in group theory, depending on 
                                 your choice of group.

In fact, ‘1 + 1 = 2’ is a consequence of selecting one particular set
of rules to define one particular formal system. But there are lots of
other systems that can be defined, and confusing ‘Peano arithmetic’
with ‘mathematics’ is like confusing ‘Chess’ with ‘games’.

Mathematical principles and theorems cannot be created by man or God— they can only be discovered.

As no mathematician has yet proven that, on what basis do you make this statement?

 

[lemondiesel]

I would not do that. Were I approximating in my head, I’d go with 3.8. But if the numbers you offered represented extraordinarily precise measurements of something, I would haul out my calculator and produce a legitimate sum of the numbers, rounding after ten decimal digits.

A previous post may help with your understanding of this.

Yes I know but my point was that we assume and accept 2+2=4 because it is in simplistic form. There may be more to the story which may be hidden from us.

 

[JaredM]

The only things that are absolute truths are things that you believe are absolute truth.

 

[Raawwly]

Hi Alan,

I invite you to cnsider that the only knowledge that is absolutely certain is that each knows that “I am.” Everything else is acquired knowledge and is modifiable by change. The test of reality is: “Does it change?” If yes, it may or does exist, “temporally,” but is not absolute. Only God or Reality is Absolute This is why the ancients equated the spiritual quest with the admoniton to know thyself. Religion, science, political stances, economic systems, are all realtive and temporal. That is why some say that religion is agnosticism or atheism disguised by reatonalization according to a story. This is why we are always invited to inquire as to what is Real and what is that “I am” that sees, believes, understands, etc. This is the most ancient of ways and the deepest.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

When is it true that 2+2 = 10 ?

a) never
b) always
c) other

Alan

 

[Texas_Roofer]

When is it true that 2+2 = 10 ?

a) never
b) always
c) other

Alan

When rabbits are involved?
(okay some people)

 

[AlanFromWichita]

When rabbits are involved?
(okay some people)

LOL!

That’s not the answer I had in mind, but I like it!

Alan