The question of whether mathematics is invented or discovered is a longstanding

philosophical debate. While it ultimately relies on personal interpretation, I can

present arguments for both sides.

1. Mathematics as Invention:
- Mathematical concepts are human creations developed to describe and
understand the world. Through human observation and reasoning, we create
mathematical systems and tools.
- Different cultures and civilizations throughout history have developed their own
mathematical systems and notations, suggesting that mathematics is a product of
human invention.
- The existence of multiple formal systems, such as Euclidean and Non-Euclidean
geometries, shows that mathematics can be created and explored using different
principles.

2. Mathematics as Discovery:
- Mathematics seems to exist independently of human minds and is embedded in
the fabric of the universe. Mathematical truths, like the properties of prime
numbers, existed before humans discovered or understood them.
- Famous mathematician Paul Erdős once said, "Mathematics is not invented, it's
discovered." He argued that mathematicians are like explorers who uncover pre-
existing mathematical structures and principles.
- Mathematical relationships and patterns, such as the Fibonacci sequence or the
Golden ratio, appear recurrently in nature, suggesting that mathematics is a
fundamental aspect of reality waiting to be discovered.

It's important to note that mathematics can involve both invention and discovery.
While mathematical concepts are created by humans, they are often derived from
observations and patterns found in the natural world. Math can help us understand
and describe phenomena, but ultimately the debate of invention vs. discovery may
never have a definitive answer.

Folkerts, M. , Knorr, . Wilbur R. , Gray, . Jeremy John , Berggren, . John L. and Fraser, .
Craig G. (2023, September 8). mathematics. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/mathematics

Lambek, J. (2017, November 17). foundations of mathematics. Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/foundations-of-mathematics