After a weekend primarily consumed in my studies of physics and chemistry, I could not help myself from thinking about Pythagoras’ conviction that numbers compose the structure of the universe. I recall vaguely at the beginning of the semester Dr. Bowery mentioning how scientist provide answers to questions to that philosophers form. To an extent there is some truth this claim. For example, physics allows for a better understanding of the natural order of the universe through the harmony of numbers.
Pythagoreans believed that the code that the universe was written was using numbers that are in a harmonious relationship. Furthermore, numbers were worshipped by Pythagoreans because of the immutable tendencies of numbers, which in their mind, supported the spirituality of numbers. I believe that Pythagoras’ ideology is clearly evident when taking into account modern sciences such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
In Physics, an immense majority of equations are formed with two variables that are proportional or inversely proportional and then by inserting a constant that will be uniform for every measurement of the other two variables. Varying numbers are joined together to form ratios that define the very composition of life. Sound waves are longitudinal waves where Amplitude, frequency, displacement, length and speed of the wave all being interconnected to form a harmonious sound. The conservation of energy is an essential facet of Physics because the change of energy explains the state of all objects and energy must always be in equilibrium. There is certainty a certain level of harmony that must be maintained by numbers that compose the interworking s of the cosmos. Chemistry as well as physics puts an emphasis on equilibrium which requires numbers to essentially be in harmony with one another. In Biology, subatomic articles such as protons, neutrons and electrons must also be in various amounts to form different elements; therefore different objects are composed because of the concord between different particles.
Moreover, Rene Descartes held mathematics in his high regards. In the Discourse on Method, he states “I delighted most of all in mathematics because of the certainty and evidence of its reasonings.” Obviously the mathematical objects known as numbers play the key role in math, therefore math’s certainty is heavily reliant on numbers. Descartes understands the utilization of numbers to provide evidence can be a superior foundation for the universe.
The relationship between numbers is critical to how things are formed and work in the world. A sense on synchronization can be directly observed in Physics, with the relationship of different measurements and numbers being proportional to each other, thus explaining the elementary principles of the universe.
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I've always thought that numbers could be described as beautiful though I never heard anyone use the expression til about a year ago. Much to like here.
ReplyDeleteNumber represented perfection. Metatron's Cube from the Christian religion put emphasis in an object of perfection based on its even faces, length and edges. Whats my point? Number is the only thing in the world that is concrete, you add two things together properly and you will get the same answer. In life, no other thing besides death and number are certain.
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