Single Idea 19652

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory]

Full Idea

How is mathematical discourse able to describe a reality where humanity is absent?

Gist of Idea

How can we mathematically describe a world that lacks humans?

Source

Quentin Meillassoux (After Finitude; the necessity of contingency [2006], 1)

Book Reference

Meillassoux: 'After Finitude: the necessity of contingency', ed/tr. Brassier,R [Bloomsbury 2008], p.26


A Reaction

He is referring to the prehistoric world. He takes this to be a key question about the laws of nature. We extrapolate mathematically from the experienced world, relying on the stability of the laws. Must they be necessary to be stable? No, it seems.