Science And Math Was: Python's Lisp heritage

[phil hunt]

On Mon, 22 Apr 2002 12:57:38 +0100, Gonçalo Rodrigues <op73418 at mail.telepac.pt> wrote:
>
>You should understand that this is a philosophical viewpoint. The
>mathematical field is roughly divided in the Platonist field, those who
>believe that mathematical objects exist somewhere out there in space (to
>quote Sun Ra) in a Wonderful World of Platonic Ideas,

This is true to the extent that different mathematical cultures 
re-invent the same ideas. E.g. both middle eastern and central 
American societies independently invented multiplication.

> and the formalist
>field of those who believe mathematics is essentialy a game we play on
>paper with symbols with no "real" meaning attached to it besides the
>convenience in describing natural phenomena.

This is true, too.


-- 
<"><"><"> Philip Hunt <philh at comuno.freeserve.co.uk> <"><"><">
"I would guess that he really believes whatever is politically 
advantageous for him to believe." 
                        -- Alison Brooks, referring to Michael
                              Portillo, on soc.history.what-if