Post #3334674

2026-06-16 17:21 UTC

RE: https://mathstodon.xyz/@paysmaths/116760621857866253 Anyone have pointers to anyone discussing why it can be hard to define mathematics? I find it easier to think of ways to try to succeed in the attempt, but I'm interested in points about difficulties therein.

Replies (1)

@maxpool@mathstodon.xyz 2026-06-16 17:59

@dougmerritt@mathstodon.xyz IMHO: Either all formal science is mathematics, or you must subjectively carve something out as non-mathematics for cultural and methodological reasons that are not well-defined. Formal sciences: math, logic, statistics, theoretical computer science, game theory, decision theory, systems theory, theoretical linguistics, information theory, etc. My wide definition: Anything formal with formal and abstract theorems where playing with the formal system alone is interesting even after all references to the external world are removed (this definition excludes activities with formal systems like programming or playing chess, but includes theoretical sides of analyzing those systems.)

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