Is the Universe Made of Math? The Fire and the Filter

Part four of a series questions the mathematical-universe hypothesis, highlighting objections tied to Occam's razor, added assumptions like a multiverse, Gödel-related limits, and whether mathematics is discovered or invented.

This is the fourth part of a series that examines the mathematical-universe hypothesis and why some find it unconvincing. The author objects that the idea often requires adding extra assumptions — such as a multiverse or anthropic reasoning — which may undermine the aim of simplicity. The piece also raises philosophical concerns about Gödel-style limits and whether humans can meaningfully be described as emerging from a single mathematical structure. The discussion ends by asking whether mathematics itself is discovered or invented and what that means for the hypothesis. Key points: - The author argues that invoking Occam's razor to favour a purely mathematical universe can lead to adding other entities (multiverse, anthropic principle, restrictions), which feels like a different form of baggage. - Historical simplicity in physics (e.g., 19th-century theories) is not the same as correctness, so simplicity alone is not decisive. - A Gödel-related objection is noted: humans appear able to recognise mathematical truths that a formal system cannot prove from within itself, raising questions about beings made of math. - Tegmark's view is reported: finding a theory of everything would be taken as evidence in favour of a mathematical universe, but it would not settle philosophical questions. - The debate depends on whether one treats mathematics as discovered (existing independently) or invented (a human construct), and on limits of math to account for subjective experience like colour or grief. Summary: The article frames the mathematical-universe idea as both metaphysical and empirical, noting that proponents may need extra assumptions to match observed reality and that deep philosophical issues remain. The question of whether math is the substance of reality turns on unresolved views about simplicity, Gödel-style limits, and the nature of mathematics itself. Undetermined at this time.