Mathematics and Music

[71 dB]

Did I say it was not? I was just saying that infinity is not a number in a common sense we put in the word "number." Infinity by the formal definition means charging forever, boundlessness, the unlimited. I tutor calculus and know that many students here have problems with understanding the concept, that is why I mentioned it. And I've never said anything about real numbers. They are just called "real" which does not necessarily mean they are real. Numbers are in your head.

Ok, this sounds good to me. 

Infinity is indeed a difficult concept for many. For example, people have difficulties to believe that 0.99... = 1.

You were discussing the matter with 71 dB, an experienced engineer, not one of your students.

Thanks! 

[71 dB]

Numbers cannot be in your head because it seems that consciousness does not exist. I know this because it is impossible to prove its existence.

Many things can't be proven 100 %, at least not yet. We must believe in the most probable, logical and obvious answers for now and revise our believes if knew knowledge/evidence suggests that. That's how science works.

Consciousness most probably exists because that's the best explanation for what we do. Other explanations like the ones were we are just parts of a simulation program of a higher being are less believable and probable. There are not much people who deny consciousness but there are many who deny soul.

[Florestan]

There are not much people who deny consciousness but there are many who deny soul.

Could you please define "soul"?

[71 dB]

Could you please define "soul"?

I think it's pretty pointless to define something that doesn't exist. Hey wait! Soul music exists. 

[Ten thumbs]

The principal and probably the only difference between consciousness and soul is that soul is supposed to continue in existence after death. To some that seems highly improbable but for matter to be conscious is also highly improbable so accepting either is at present a matter of faith.

[Sarastro]

something that doesn't exist.

I think you do not exist. I see an image... a signature, the number of posts. Hey, maybe it's a highly intelligent computer!

[Florestan]

I think it's pretty pointless to define something that doesn't exist.

I think it's pretty pointless to engage someone who doesn't think. Bye-bye!

[Josquin des Prez]

The principal and probably the only difference between consciousness and soul is that soul is supposed to continue in existence after death. To some that seems highly improbable but for matter to be conscious is also highly improbable so accepting either is at present a matter of faith.

Not exactly. The difference between consciousness and soul is that consciousness is bound to the physical world and can only perceive things through the limited senses of the body, while the soul exists in the realm where things are true and immutable, and that is why the soul is immortal, while consciousness isn't. 

[Josquin des Prez]

I admit that there might be a heavenly realm of mathematics, as well as a realm of music, or Ideas, and great composers and mathematicians just somehow get access to it. But unless the existence of such realms is scientifically proven, I can not believe in it.

Is there scientific proof for morality and ethics? For good and evil? For beauty and ugliness? For greatness and genius? Or do you mean to say that you have never believed in any of those either, not even for an instance? What an odd concept anyway, to demand that the metaphysical ought to be subject to physical scrutiny. Even if such a thing was possible, what sense would there to bring something from the world that isn't seen to the one that is where the metaphysical would essentially cease to be metaphysical?

This excessive reliance to science, an inferior discipline to philosophy, is one of the reasons why ''genius'' is such a rare commodity this days. A sad state of affairs which, curiously enough, isn't stirring much regret. It seems that the fish is really content to be a fish, even though it manages to step out of the water from time to time to see the sun.