Similar to the chicken and the egg question, was math invented by man or just simply discovered? Does math actually predate humanity, or was it invented before there were records to keep of it? Most mathematicians agree that math was discovered. Similar to some holy grail, it just sits out there ready to be found by the next great explorer.
Math, invented or discovered by man?
Math is a very abstract idea. It was up to humans to assign symbols to the ideas to make it all make sense to the masses. As far as scientists know, humans are the only beings able to solve complex equations. You can teach some animals to count, but true math is something that is specific to us Homo sapiens.
It’s the thing that separates us from the beasts of the fields. Doing abstract, pure mathematics is a human activity that no non-humans do.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Most mathematicians believe that math was discovered.
- Mathematics is abstraction with symbols attached to it.
- Even if we knew if math was discovered or invented, it may not change much.
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