The Thomistic Institute
God, Beauty, and Mathematics | Prof. Alexander Pruss
Apr 30, 2025
Alexander Pruss, a philosophy professor at Baylor University with dual PhDs in mathematics and philosophy, discusses profound connections between God, beauty, and mathematics. He explores the paradoxical nature of math and its aesthetic dimensions, linking elegance in scientific theories to simplicity in faith. Pruss dives deep into how mathematical concepts reflect divine authorship, alongside historical perspectives from thinkers like Augustine. The conversation continues to unravel philosophical questions about reality and theistic interpretations of our universe.
55:50
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Quick takeaways
- Mathematics uniquely combines certainty with abstract concepts, establishing unchanging truths while provoking questions about the nature of reality and existence.
- The beauty of mathematics is intricately linked to theological insights, suggesting that mathematical truths reflect divine intellect and help us comprehend creation.
Deep dives
The Uniqueness of Mathematics
Mathematics stands out as a unique discipline because it blends certainty with abstract concepts. Once a mathematical statement is proven, its truth is undisputed, unlike other fields such as philosophy, where debates over correctness are commonplace. While other sciences can be revised based on new findings, mathematical principles, particularly those established thousands of years ago, often remain intact. This duality of being certain yet mysterious underlines mathematics' distinct character, where we can be confident in the existence of primes, yet still grapple with the fundamental question of what numbers truly are.
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