Lewiss Miracles and Mathematical Elegance Overview

Lewis tries to show Naturalism is a poor model.

Jackson Roberts Senior Topics February 1, 2012

What is Naturalism? The believe that there is nothing but nature. There is no supernatural, and there are denitely no miracles. Eugene Wigner: Believed that because mathematics is applicable to science, there must be some supernatural component. Mathematics started from the study of the physical universe, but eventually became more abstract. Math is a gift R.W. Hamming: Wanted to tackle the Unreasonable eectiveness proposed by Wigner He had 4 explinations: 1. Scientists look at the world through a mathematical lens. 2. Scientists choose which math they want to work. 3. Science answers relatively few problems. 4. Evolution explains why humans mathematize the universe. Evolutionary theories: Sexual Selection Hypothesis Physical attributes and mental characteristics help use get mates. Math is sexy? Byproduct Hypothesis Math is the byproduct of our adaptive capacities. Module Hypothesis Higher level thinking grew out of specic evolutionary processes Objections to Evolutionary Theories: We cant be Random blind-chance. Natural Selection cant account for insight Natural sections only rewards survival instincts. Hamming believed evolution chose life forms with the best model of reality The problem with this is that best is dened by those who survived. It is possible to have survivors who are wrong.

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Lewiss Miracles and Mathematical Elegance Overview

Mathematical Elegance: Naturalism is non-anthropocentric Mark Steiner: The success of Math implies anthropocentrism. base 10, ten ngers Good math is dened based on human aesthetic properties Our ability to judge beauty is a sign that we bear Gods image.

Jackson Roberts Senior Topics February 1, 2012

Because human aesthetics dene good mathematics, and good math works unreasonably well in describing our universe, humans must have an elevated position in the universe. Thus the universe is at least some what anthropocentric, which means naturalism cant work. Christians believe that this higher state comes from God.

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