How many times do we teach in science some form of belief, some form of we are not sure?

[Marc]

Is there an assumption by some of the scientists that do the research on the Big Bang and the study of the heavens, that math is the structure of the universe?

If it isn’t, then math will not be the complete answer but only a description.

“math is the structure of the universe” - No, forces and matter make up the structure of the universe. There is no a priori reason the universe can be described mathematically yet it is to an enormous extent. Science, fundamentally, is about measurement and measurement means quantity. Who knows where we would be if adding two measurements in reality was different from adding the two measurements on paper. From measurement, we move on to prediction. This can be as simple as correlation and projection to wild hypotheses (a little different from assumption) like, there exists a force called gravity, the speed of light is constant, angular momentum is quantized - all of which can be broken down to simple mathematical principles, expanded upon mathematically, and used to make testable predictions. Ultimately, predictions stand or fall by observation, which brings us back to measurement. And there are observations that we only ever thought to make because the mathematics compelled us to look. A skilled and bold scientist makes assumptions all the time but it is observation that rules supreme.

If by your question, you mean, do scientists believe that mathematics is a good enough reason for the universe to exist? Some do. Some believe a final cause (in Aristotelian terms) is a complete illusion. And you could say the success of mathematics as a predictive tool has something to do with that. I, and many other scientists, on the other hand, find this phenomenon more indicative of purpose than evidence against it.

 

[Jim_Baur]

In my opinion…

I have come to the thought that something analogous to reason design, directs, and maintains the universe.

It is similar to reason, and that is why we can observe.

It is dissimilar to our reason in the sense that it is a jillion times greater.

Each little nature thing of life is clearly designed.

And all of the inanimate to animate things are orchestrated,–the Cosmos.

Science, philosophy and religions are constantly trying to discern the Designer or Creator.