Philosophy of science?

[Jim_Baur]

How are mathematics and the physical natural laws related?

Is math only an instrument for measuring?

Does mathematices run the natural laws?

What is the nature of the natural laws?

How does mathematics effect our knowledge of DNA?

How is mathematices related to the laws of evolution?

I am a student, I am looking for information and not an intellectual argument.

I will do a lot of listening, not much sharing.

Thanks!

 

[Just_Lurking]

One classic essay is The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences (see here).

 

[Bussi]

How are mathematics and the physical natural laws related?

Is math only an instrument for measuring?

Does mathematices run the natural laws?

What is the nature of the natural laws?

How does mathematics effect our knowledge of DNA?

How is mathematices related to the laws of evolution?

I am a student, I am looking for information and not an intellectual argument.

I will do a lot of listening, not much sharing.

Thanks!

I don’t know if I really have any answers for you but since my academic background is primarily in mathematics, with course work in physics, chemistry, astronomy and a smattering of electrical engineering and a career in computer science/engineering.

I will give you my own thoughts and perceptions of math and the sciences as I understand them and they relate to one another. I am not sure I can or will answer all your questions or for that matter any of them directly because i have no formal grounding in philosophy

First of all the Church sees no conflict between the faith and science. In fact, many of the leaders in scientific activities were priests. If it weren’t for the monks in the monasteries preserving so much recorded knowledge during the dark ages the world would had to start practically from scratch. In fact, the Church has been surprisingly active throughout the centuries in various scientific disciplines.

The “big Bang” theory was proposed by Fr. Lemaitre, (SJ?) in the 1920s is one example. If one accepts that God created everything, then everything we humans study is simply the study of God and His creation.

Physics and astronomy and chemistry are in large part observational in nature, and, mathematics is the “language” used to support analyze the observations as well as theorizing based on result of observations. if anything,

Because scientific endeavor require an investigative manner of thinking, contrary to what many believe about science and religion conflicting, my training has enabled me as St. Augustine said, "I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe.

I have never had a formal course in philosophy so I would recommend you take one or more courses if you are able to.

God bless…

Bussi

 

[Julian0404]

One source of reasonable validity in answering your question is the presence of THE GOLDEN RATIO. A repetitive arithmetical ratio found in the analysis of the design in all things, and constantly repeating and being discovered. One might say it is the “peer” to DNA, but on the arthimetical side of the house. Or, one might say it is the simple engineering principal which GOD used to design and applied it to so many things, that it’s very depth of existence requires intelligent design. A common and repetitive arthimetical design feature/ratio between different types, as well as water, land and air cannot be explained as “random”.

So to your question, you can spend a career on either side of the house, i.e. Math or Philosophy investigating and questioning the myriad applications of THE GOLDEN RATIO.

 

[punkforchrist]

Jim, not many philosophers would say that mathematics “run” the laws of nature in any strict sense. “Running” or “governing” may be used somewhat loosely, but since the laws of logic and mathematics are abstract objects, and abstract objects are causally inert, we wouldn’t technically say that they run or govern anything. Instead, what a mathematical realist would most likely say is that mathematics correspond to the laws of nature. In other words, mathematics are indispensable to the natural sciences.

For instance, your first question asks how mathematics are related to the laws of nature. One example that we might look at is Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that: F = G(m1*m2/r^2). Multiplication and division are two foundational aspects of mathematics, and you will notice that they are integral to specific Newtonian measurements.

Whether mathematics are only conventional is up for debate.

 

[Jim_Baur]

I want to thank all that are helping me grapple with these basics.

I have studied a great deal of philosophy, theology, history and a fair understanding of science.

As I stated, I am here to listen and I thank each and every person who has helped and those who will help.

I believe totally in the Love and Faith of the Jesus Christ and I am a Roman Catholic.

Again, thanks!