Hello all, I've been reading here often the claim that physics is about the "real stuff" and math is a human construction that helps us make sense of the real stuff, but it is just an approximation of reality. So here's a thought experiment on this topic.
Let us imagine I program a digital computer to keep iterating through all possible integer values greater than 2 of the variables a, b, c and n. If the following condition is satisfied: a^n + b^n = c^n then the computer turns on a light. I let it run for one year. Will the light turn on during that year? So my questions are: (1) Can you use theoretical physics to make a correct prediction? (2) Can you use math to make a correct prediction? Notice that I am asking a question that is as hard-nosed as it can be. No metaphysics, just a question about an observable event in a physical system during a well-defined time period. Will the light turn on? What gives? Best, Telmo -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Everything List" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/everything-list/fb819e76-2fdd-468c-b21a-96971764d8ab%40www.fastmail.com.
