Episode 109: Genes, Emergence, and Platonism (round table with Sadia and Ivan)
The Theory of Anything
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The Philosophy of Mathematics: Existence and Universals
This chapter explores the philosophical tensions between essentialism and nominalism in mathematics, particularly through the lens of prime numbers. It questions whether mathematical truths are independent realities or human constructs, delving into implications for concepts like Platonism and the existence of universals. The discussion also speculates on the relationship between mathematics and extraterrestrial intelligence, challenging our assumptions about the nature and universality of mathematical ideas.
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