English

Mathematics via Symmetry

History and Overview 2013-06-19 v1

Abstract

We state the defining characteristic of mathematics as a type of symmetry where one can change the connotation of a mathematical statement in a certain way when the statement's truth value remains the same. This view of mathematics as satisfying such symmetry places mathematics as comparable with modern views of physics and science where, over the past century, symmetry also plays a defining role. We explore the very nature of mathematics and its relationship with natural science from this perspective. This point of view helps clarify some standard problems in the philosophy of mathematics.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1306.4235,
  title  = {Mathematics via Symmetry},
  author = {Noson S. Yanofsky and Mark Zelcer},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1306.4235},
  year   = {2013}
}

Comments

30 pages. This includes a 8 page appendix on related ideas in categorical algebra

R2 v1 2026-06-22T00:36:00.098Z