TheismandMathematicalRealism-TWUCS-Trinity.docVIP

THEISM MATHEMATICAL REALISM (Published in Proceedings of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences, Grand Rapids, 2001: 33-48) John Byl Trinity Western University byl@twu.ca Abstract: This paper examines connections between theism and mathematical realism. Mathematical realism, which offers the best account of mathematics, strongly supports theism. Theism, in turn, supports mathematical realism. Theism readily explains the intricate relations between mathematics, matter, and mind. The attributes of the biblical God provide a justification for classical mathematics. 1. Introduction What does mathematics have to do with God? Not much, according to most people outside of this association. It is, therefore, quite surprising how often non-theists, when discussing the foundations of mathematics, refer to God. Many contemporary philosophers of science perceive theism to be the basis for classical mathematics and mathematical realism, both of which are therefore found to be objectionable. The aim of this paper is to briefly examine the close connections between God and mathematics. These connections, I believe, could be more fully exploited by Christians. 2.1 The Classical Christian View on Mathematics Is mathematics a mere human invention? Or is it an exploration of an already existent realm? That is the basic question. Historically, most mathematicians have believed that mathematical truths such as 2+5=7 exist independently of human minds, being universally and eternally true. Mathematicians believe they are discovering properties of, say, prime numbers, rather than merely inventing them. This view of mathematics dates back to Pythagoras (500 BC) and Plato (400 BC). It is often called “Platonism”. In order to avoid association with other features of Plato’s philosophy, I shall refer to the notion that mathematical truths are objective as mathematical realism. Mathematics has some profound philosophical implications. Bertrand Russell, certainly no