“Why is Mathematics Useful?”
Robert Ghrist
University of Pennsylvania
Why is mathematics useful? That it is is not obvious to all; but if you google a jpeg, jam to an mpeg, or pay for your ebay via paypal, you're using mathematics --- patterns in numbers and functions, found, tamed, and tuned.
Mathematics, the science of patterns, is applicable and applied because patterns fill this world. But are these patterns in our imagination?
If mathematical patterns are subjective, they are insubstantial ghosts epicycling `round a zodiac.
Do we have departments of Numerology, Alchemy, Astrology, Phrenology, and Fortune-Telling, creating conspiracies of patterns? No.
Our faith in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, and more is an implicit "Credo" in objectivity.
From A to Z and zero to eiπ patterns are present yet present a puzzle: why, and, then, whence.
This mathematician’s response is that of the mathematician Pascal - a question posed to Pascal's Deus Absconditus - and a joy that there is enough light to see patterns, yet enough dimness to make that sight precious and useful.